VAN NUYS, Calif. – New Rams running back Jarquez Hunter hails from Philadelphia, Mississippi – a small rural town with a population around 7,000 people.
He enjoyed being outdoors, so at Auburn, he majored in natural resource management, earning his bachelor's degree in May of 2024.
Hunter will feel at home in Los Angeles – at least based on what he thinks he knows about the greater area.
"I grew up in the country. I'm a country boy, I'm from Mississippi. I mean, that's all it is is trees around here," Hunter said after being selected 117th overall by the Rams in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday. "I heard (there's) a country part in L.A. I've never seen it, but I've heard of it, you know? I'm an outside person. That's why I picked natural resource management, because I like to be outside. I feel like that's where I get my peace from, just being outside with animals and horses."
Take a look at photos of newly drafted Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter from his time at Auburn University.
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) hurdles Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.Penn State won 28-20. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries the ball against Georgia State during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter runs for a 67-yard touchdown against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against San Jose State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries the ball as Oklahoma linebacker Kobie McKinzie (11) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries the ball against Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) is tackled by Arkansas defensive back Hudson Clark (17) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) runs away from Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa (40) in the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Sept.18, 2021.Penn State defeated Auburn 28-20. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries the ball against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) runs the ball in the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) stiff arms Mississippi State safety Corey Ellington (10) as he caries the ball during the second half an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Samford Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries the ball against Georgia State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) runs the ball against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter carries the ball against Texas A&M during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) os tackled by New Mexico State cornerback Reggie Akles (0) as he carries the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries the ball against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) runs the ball past Arkansas defensive back Dwight McGlothern (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) carries the ball during the second half an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) runs with the ball during an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. Mississippi won 48-34. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Hunter said he has a horse back home in Mississippi, though he said with a smile that he won't be coming with him to L.A.
Based on how the pre-draft process went, it sounded like it was a possible scenario he had some time to prepare for.
Hunter had an idea the Rams could be a landing spot for him "because I had talked to them a pretty good bit," noting he had met with them three or four times during the pre-draft process.
"I felt like it was just this connection with me and the coaches, and I feel like this (is) a place I can come and just show my talents," Hunter said.
When Hunter arrived on Auburn's campus, he impressed teammates right away by squatting 600 pounds as a true freshman. Hunter clarified Saturday he believes he got to 655 pounds before the Tigers' strength coach "wouldn't let me do no more."
Hunter clocked a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at this year's NFL Scouting Combine. Given those measures in strength and explosiveness, it's no wonder he describes himself as a downhill runner.
"I feel like I'm a very north-to-south runner, downhill runner," Hunter said. "I feel like I can catch the ball out of the backfield. I feel like I can pass protect and I can run."
Hunter called being drafted by the Rams "an exciting moment." He said his heart started beating as soon as he got the call from the team, and was so excited he nearly cried.
"I'm very excited to come to L.A. and get a chance, get an opportunity," Hunter said.
