Surprise of the Carolina Panthers 2023 season continues to command respect from national outlets

Chuba Hubbard burst onto the scene in 2023 and continues to earn respect from national outlets.

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Dec 24, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) hands off to running back Chuba Hubbard (30) against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Chuba Hubbard is looking to build off a productive 2023 season. 

If he follows up his production, his respect among the league's best at the running back position will only continue to grow.

Hubbard came in ranked as the No. 28-best running back in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.  

Hubbard was a productive starter for most of the 2023 campaign. He stole the starting spot from Miles Sanders, who was Carolina's hefty free-agent investment that hasn't worked out thus far.

The 24-year-old back carried the ball 238 times for a career-high 902 yards and five touchdowns, earning him the respect of writers like Pro Football Focus' Thomas Valentine.

"Hubbard was destined to be the backup in Carolina after the team brought in Miles Sanders on a big contract, but Hubbard took on the role of lead back after Sanders struggled to make an impact," Valentine writes. 

Heading into the 2024 season, Hubbard will be competing for touches in a crowded running back room. Jonathon Brooks and Sanders will command touches, but it is a safe bet that Hubbard will be the best out of the three. 

Ranked behind Hubbard are Austin Ekeler (No. 29), Devin Singletary (No. 30), Gus Edwards (No. 31) and Zamir White (No. 32).