Residents in the Auburn region would concur with Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze that there have been a lot of windy days recently on The Plains.
Naturally, it means there will be “tough situations to throw in,” Freeze stated on Tuesday afternoon at his second spring training press conference.
Freeze’s most important lesson from Auburn’s quarterback room, though, has nothing to do with accuracy problems or anything else that is wind-related.
“There have been a few practices where the wind has made things really difficult to throw in,” Freeze remarked. However, I believe that we still need to make improvements because our current decision-making process isn’t quite where I want it to be.
The quarterbacks in the Tigers’ room have varying degrees of experience.
The current starting quarterback for Auburn, Payton Thorne, is about to start his fifth year in collegiate football.
After him, it becomes much less.
In order of seniority, redshirt freshman Hank Brown, true freshman Walker White, and sophomore Holden Geriner are in order of seniority.
When it comes to Thorne’s decision-making, Freeze stated, “Payton’s has been pretty good.” “A lot of them are new to the other three, you know. They are up against numerous variations of our defense’s looks.
Additionally, Freeze’s remarks were validated when the media had a chance to watch Tuesday’s practice.
In solo, 7-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills, all four quarterbacks received reps; naturally, Thorne seemed to be the most at ease.
Regarding Thorne, Freeze stated, “Payton is still the most consistent, probably and should be.” “He has the most experience and knowledge of what defenses can do to you.”
Thorne, starting on the positive side of the field and taking snaps from the 35-yard line, found true freshman Cam Coleman and junior Camden Brown for points. When Brown outran sophomore Kayin Lee for a 50/50 ball in the end zone, it was an incredible touchdown.
On the other hand, it’s evident that White is still attempting to understand a great deal of what is being thrown at him.
There was some hesitation from the early enrollee during Tuesday’s practice when going over pass plays. While White did throw a few interceptions, he also completed some well-aimed passes, one to true freshman Bryce Cain along the right sideline and another to sixth-year tight end Luke Deal across the center.
Based on what Freeze stated at his press conference hours earlier, Tuesday’s practice was about average for the rookie.
Freeze remarked, “Walker is obviously swimming.” “He’s new to everything, but boy, does he ever exhibit flashbacks—so do Hank (Brown) and Holden (Geriner) occasionally.”
Freeze says he’s been happy with Auburn’s quarterbacks’ attitude toward the spring, despite some of the decision-making. The team will also be implementing a new offense, with first-year offensive coordinator Derrick Nix on board.
“I adore the strategy they’re using. They always have to have more time to meet. They’re eager to learn. They aspire to be proficient in it, according to Freeze. “We really are happy with all four of them so far, but there is still room for improvement.”
