What Auburn players said about Jarquez Hunter's career night against Kentucky

Jarquez Hunter's performance against Kentucky was unforgettable.

He set a new career high in rushing yards, and his 278 yards on the ground were the most by an Auburn player since Tre Mason's 304 in the 2013 SEC Championship Game. Most importantly, it gave Auburn its first win since Week 3.

“I was tired of losing,” Hunter said after the game. “I tried to take advantage of the opportunities I had today. I tried to take advantage of her.”

Hunter definitely wore Kentucky out, and the only people who seemed to like the performance more than him were his teammates.

“I can watch the game from behind. “I’ve never seen anyone so hard to tackle when you hit the guy right,” Payton Thorne said after the game. “He’s incredibly strong and that’s a credit to him and his work ethic.”

Hunter's performance made life easy for Thorne after the first quarter, as Auburn's game spread over the final three quarters was 47 runs to 15 passes. Thorne also completed 15 of his last 16 passes.

Hunter's big night was also rewarding for the defense as their success paid off as Hunter helped put the game away in the second half.

“It gives us more energy to go out and give them the ball,” defensive end Keldric Faulk said after the game. “When they do something great, it's like they energize us. If we get a stop on third down or force a fumble, it gives them energy. They’re waiting to come out and hit the ball in the end zone.”

For linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr., it was special to see the player he regularly competes against in practice show what he's capable of.

“Finally someone else gets to experience it. This kid is a runner,” linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr. said after the game. “I’m glad he’s doing something we see every day.”

Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee's performance left him in awe.

“It felt like I was watching myself play a video game,” Lee said. “He rushed for 270 yards; I've never seen this before from anyone on my team. That was kind of crazy for me.”

Lee had a big impact on the game himself as he caught an interception near the goal line that sealed the game for Auburn. After the interception, Hunter had runs of 10, 11 and 46, putting an exclamation point on an already impressive night.

For weeks, Auburn failed to find the finishing touch to break away from teams and close out games. In a game where he was “sick of losing,” Hunter was just that for Auburn against Kentucky.

Peter Rauterkus reports on Auburn Sports AL.com. You can follow him on X below @peter_rauterkus or send him an email at [email protected]M