When former Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard arrived in Carolina as a fourth-round pick, he was playing second fiddle to starting running back Christian McCaffrey. The next season, Hubbard found himself once again behind McCaffrey, and then behind D’Onta Foreman after McCaffrey was dealt to the San Francisco 49ers.
His third season, Hubbard was once again slated to play second fiddle to a running back, this time in the form of free agent signee Miles Sanders from the Philadelphia Eagles. Hubbard, however, had other ideas and became the focus of the Panthers running game, giving them just over 900 yards on the ground and another 233 yards in the passing game.
Every chance he’s been given, Hubbard has made the most of it and shown he’s a capable running back in this league. That production may not have earned Hubbard a secure spot as the Panthers’ RB1, but it has earned him respect in the eyes of Bleacher Report NFL analyst David Kenyon. Kenyon released his All-Underrated team ahead of the 2024 season, and Hubbard highlights his choices at running back.
Hubbard came into this season likely feeling like he proved it should be his turn to be the primary running back in the Panthers rushing attack. Carolina’s front office seemed to have other ideas, taking Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Brooks is going to miss the beginning portion of the season, so once again Hubbard will have an opportunity to prove his worth.
If Hubbard continues to produce and maintain hold of the primary running back duties in Carolina, perhaps this will be the year that folks finally take notice and give Hubbard his due.