Jarquez Hunter’s NFL debut with the Los Angeles Rams signals a real-life audition for a backfield role in 2025. The Mississippi standout blends power and burst, a compact 5-foot-9 frame with a banking 4.44-second forty and the patience to grind through contact. His Auburn résumé—3,371 rushing yards and 29 TDs over four seasons—translates into a bruising, north-south style that a Rams offense is increasingly built to deploy behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.

Hunter flashed in a third-and-six hammer, turning a modest gain into something bigger as Sean McVay praised his ability to finish runs. He leans into leg-work that mirrors his everyday life—squats, hills, and sled work—while his country-boy patience bleeds into his on-field reads and pass protection. Expect his climb to hinge on how quickly he earns trust in pass protection and special-teams duties, potentially carving out a Week 1 role in a committee.

The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for their preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium, but key starters like Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams will be resting. This game presents a crucial opportunity for backups to showcase their skills in five pivotal position battles.

At running back, Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter will vie for the RB2 spot behind Kyren Williams, with Corum looking to prove his worth after being sidelined last preseason. The right tackle position is also up for grabs, with D.J. Humphries potentially not being the frontrunner, as Warren McClendon Jr. and others could vie for the role. The defensive line will see backups like Ty Hamilton and Tyler Davis step up in the absence of Kobie Turner and Poona Ford, making their performances crucial for roster decisions.

The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for their first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, showcasing notable rookies in training camp, including receiver Konata Mumpfield and running back Jarquez Hunter. Coach Sean McVay emphasized the need for live-tackling situations to accurately assess their growth. Rookies will have the chance to prove themselves this Saturday at SoFi Stadium, but the spotlight may be on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been sidelined during training camp, to see if he can return to form in the preseason.

Kyren Williams, the Rams' prominent running back, has reported to training camp, dispelling any concerns about a potential holdout as he enters the final year of his contract. Despite ongoing discussions about an extension, Williams is focused on maintaining his position as a fantasy RB1, especially with the addition of rookie Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter. Head Coach Sean McVay has expressed optimism about Williams' contract talks, noting positive progress. As Williams prepares for the upcoming season, he is currently ranked 11th among running backs, presenting a potential value pick in fantasy drafts with an ADP in the early third round.