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Inglewood, CA – August 09: Rams running back Jarquez Hunter, #35, center, gains yardage against Cowboys defense during the second half of the preseason opener at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams head into their third preseason game Saturday, August 23 against the Cleveland Browns.
And though starters are unlikely to see much action, one rookie has already given fans and coaches something to talk about. Jarquez Hunter, the Rams’ fourth-round pick out of Auburn, has quickly become one of the most intriguing names of the summer — and he has a powerful voice in his corner.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur has been clear about where he stands.
“The more opportunities he gets, the better it’s going to be,” LaFleur said on Wednesday.
For a ball carrier buried on the depth chart behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, that kind of endorsement matters. It’s more than coach-speak — it’s a window into how Hunter is viewed internally, and a signal that he’s already forcing his way into the Rams’ plans.
Hunter Making the Most of Rams Preseason
Through the Rams’ first two preseason games, LaFleur has made sure Hunter saw the field early and often. Against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, Hunter logged 11 carries for 41 yards, showing patience behind blocks and the ability to churn out tough yards against NFL defenders.
Week 2 brought more of the same. Facing the Los Angeles Chargers, Hunter handled 15 carries for 55 yards. Those aren’t gaudy numbers, but they speak to consistency — especially for a rookie adjusting to pro speed. Combined, Hunter has totaled 96 rushing yards on 26 carries this preseason — good for 3.7 yards per attempt.
LaFleur views those reps as vital for Hunter’s growth with the Rams. While preseason stats rarely tell the full tale, the willingness to hand a rookie nearly 30 carries across two games shows trust.
Pushing for the No. 2 Job
Right now, the Rams’ backfield is headlined by Williams, who just signed a three-year, $33 million extension after his breakout 2024 season. Behind him sits Corum, listed as the No. 2 option on the team’s unofficial depth chart.
But Corum’s rookie season raised questions. He finished without a touchdown, totaling just 207 rushing yards on 58 carries. He added seven catches for 58 yards but never quite found his footing in red-zone or short-yardage situations.
That’s where Hunter’s style stands out. At 5-foot-9, 204 pounds, he runs low, with leverage that allows offensive linemen to generate push in tight spaces. He doesn’t shy away from contact, with physicality that could make him the back McVay leans on in red-zone scenarios — a glaring weakness for the Rams in 2024.
If he continues stacking solid preseason performances, it’s not hard to imagine Hunter overtaking Corum for the RB2 tag by midseason. LaFleur’s comments suggest the staff already sees his game trending upward.
The next step comes Saturday against Cleveland.
Hunter should once again get the bulk of opportunities. Coaches will be watching to see if his physical style can hold up against a Browns defense known for its front-seven strength.
It’s also another chance for LaFleur to lean into his belief that Hunter improves with volume. The more touches he gets, the more his rhythm shows. If Hunter can string together another efficient outing, his push for early-season snaps will only gain steam.
Derek Hryn Derek Hryn is a writer for Heavy.com. He has extensive experience covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, along with providing expert fantasy football analysis for DraftKings and SB Nation. His work has been featured at Sports Illustrated, USA Today, NBC Sports, The New York Post, and others. More about Derek Hryn
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