Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze addressed the media in his first game week press conference, providing crucial updates and insights as the Tigers prepare for their season opener against Alabama A&M. Here are the key takeaways for Auburn fans.
Quarterback Confidence in Payton Thorne
Freeze expressed strong confidence in quarterback Payton Thorne, stating, “I believe in him more now than I did back in January.” Thorne has been solidified as the starting quarterback, but Freeze also emphasized that the pressure is on Thorne to deliver. With a wealth of new talent at Auburn—including receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Sam Jackson IV, Robert Lewis, and standout freshman Cam Coleman—Thorne has the weapons he needs to succeed. Now, it’s up to him to prove he can get the job done.
Backup Quarterback Situation
Thorne’s backup, Hank Brown, has shown promise, particularly with his ability to throw the deep ball. However, Freeze pointed out that Brown needs to improve his ability to read defensive fronts and set protections, a critical area that still needs work. This gap gives Thorne a significant edge over his competition.
Key Opponents to Watch: Donovan Eaglin and Jamarion Ellis
Turning his attention to the upcoming opponent, Freeze highlighted Alabama A&M’s running back Donovan Eaglin as a player to watch. Eaglin, a 227-pound powerhouse, has the potential to make an NFL roster, and Freeze warned that he gets stronger as the game progresses. Auburn Daily will feature more on Eaglin later this week.
On the defensive side, Freeze singled out A&M edge rusher Jamarion Ellis as a player Auburn needs to watch closely. “No. 7, he’s a twitchy pass rusher. We gotta pay attention to him,” Freeze noted, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for Ellis’ impact on the game.
Concerns Over Missed Assignments
Freeze also shared concerns from Auburn’s last scrimmage, where six missed assignments (MAs) were recorded, all involving young players. These errors, which included running incorrect routes and not understanding defensive coverages, are an area Freeze insists must be corrected immediately. While he didn’t name specific players, Freeze hinted that any freshman expected to play against A&M who doesn’t see the field might be sidelined due to these mistakes. He stressed that such errors cannot be tolerated, a sentiment that’s hard to argue against.
Depth Chart Details and Defensive Depth
Freeze revealed his general disinterest in formal depth charts, admitting he doesn’t care which defensive tackle starts the game since the Tigers plan to rotate six interior defensive linemen. This rotation underscores the depth of Auburn’s defensive line and overall defense, a strength that extends to the receivers and offensive line as well. However, Freeze acknowledged that the secondary might be the team’s thinnest area on defense.
As Auburn prepares to kick off their season, Freeze’s insights provide a clear picture of where the team stands and what needs to be addressed before facing Alabama A&M.
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