Head coach Hugh Freeze has revealed that wide receiver Malcolm Simmons and tight end Micah Riley are set to take on expanded roles, following a string of injuries that have impacted the team’s depth.
While the Auburn defense had a rough outing last Saturday, the offense saw a significant improvement compared to its performance against Cal. Redshirt freshman quarterback Hank Brown led a revitalized Tigers offense, marching down the field with a newfound confidence, something that had been lacking when Payton Thorne was under center.
Brown wasn’t the only one to impress the coaching staff. The Tigers have faced several injuries early in the season, forcing them to test the depth at multiple positions. This has given younger players like Simmons and Riley the chance to stand out.
Malcolm Simmons, a freshman wide receiver and part of the “Freeze Four” recruit class, has caught the attention of the coaching staff with his speed and playmaking ability. While his lack of playing time has been due to some typical freshman mistakes, Freeze believes he deserves more opportunities on the field.
“Talent-wise, he deserves to be on the field some,” Freeze said, according to AL.com. “I’ll find another box on the call sheet that just says Malcolm.”
Micah Riley, a third-year sophomore tight end, is another player fans can expect to see more of. Following a foot injury to veteran tight end Brandon Frazier in the game against New Mexico, Riley was called upon to step up. Freeze noted Riley’s progress and maturity, indicating that he will play a key role moving forward.
“He’s definitely improved,” Freeze said of Riley, as reported by Auburn Undercover. “He’s matured in handling how you go about doing things in general. We’re thrilled to have him, and we’re going to need him a lot now. He’s going to play a lot of snaps.”
Freeze plans to utilize Riley alongside fellow tight ends Rivaldo Fairweather and Luke Deal, each of whom brings different strengths to the position.
Simmons, Riley, and the rest of the Auburn Tigers will return to action this weekend as they open SEC play against Arkansas at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
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