Hugh Freeze persistent on having best of both worlds in Auburn Tigers football’s quarterback room
As Hugh Freeze embarks on his tenure as head coach of Auburn University’s football team, one of the most pressing issues he faces is revitalizing the Tigers’ quarterback room. Freeze, known for his offensive acumen, has always placed a premium on having a versatile, deep, and highly skilled quarterback unit, and he intends to bring this philosophy to Auburn. The quarterback position is arguably the most critical on the field, and Freeze’s vision is clear: he wants the best of both worlds.
The “best of both worlds” concept that Freeze refers to isn’t just about finding a traditional, pocket-passing quarterback or a dual-threat signal-caller. Instead, it’s about blending the strengths of different types of quarterbacks—whether they’re more adept at throwing the ball from the pocket or using their legs to create plays—and creating a balanced, dynamic offensive attack that keeps defenses guessing.
For Auburn football, this could be the key to returning to championship contention, particularly as the team navigates the always competitive SEC. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Hugh Freeze’s approach to the quarterback position, why he’s so adamant about having the best of both worlds, and how this philosophy could impact Auburn’s future under his leadership.
Hugh Freeze’s Philosophy on Quarterbacks
Hugh Freeze’s offensive system has always been predicated on creating a high-powered, fast-paced offense that exploits the full range of a quarterback’s skill set. He’s known for his ability to develop quarterbacks who are not only proficient passers but who also excel at using their legs to extend plays and make dynamic decisions in and out of the pocket. This dual-threat approach has been the cornerstone of Freeze’s success in previous coaching stops, and it’s a philosophy that he is committed to continuing at Auburn.
In Freeze’s view, the best offense is one that doesn’t rely too heavily on any one dimension. It’s about mixing both the traditional passing game and the mobility that today’s quarterbacks are increasingly expected to possess. He doesn’t want a quarterback who’s limited by their style of play. Instead, he aims to develop quarterbacks who are capable of executing both the standard drop-back passing game and the more unpredictable, improvisational elements that come with being able to run and make plays on the move.
“I want a quarterback who can make plays from the pocket but also have the ability to extend plays with their legs when things break down,” Freeze said in one of his early press conferences at Auburn. “The game has evolved, and quarterbacks need to be able to make plays in different ways. You can’t be one-dimensional. I want to have both elements in our quarterback room—guys who can make throws from the pocket, but also guys who can run when needed.”
Freeze’s approach is informed by his years of experience coaching in the high-flying, up-tempo SEC, where defenses are often fast, aggressive, and capable of putting pressure on the quarterback at any moment. His experience coaching quarterbacks like Chad Kelly at Ole Miss—who was a highly productive dual-threat QB—has shown him that a quarterback’s ability to make decisions quickly and efficiently under pressure is what sets apart successful teams from the ones that struggle.
His vision is clear: Auburn will have quarterbacks who can both carve up a defense through the air and make plays with their legs, keeping opposing defenses guessing and unable to key in on any one specific aspect of the offense. Whether it’s the traditional air raid offense or the spread option that he’s known for, Freeze believes in mixing and matching elements that will suit his quarterbacks’ strengths while maintaining flexibility in his offensive schemes.
Auburn’s Quarterback Room: The Current Landscape
Before Hugh Freeze arrived, Auburn’s quarterback room had been in flux for several years. The team had struggled to find consistent quarterback play, cycling through multiple players with varying levels of success. The Tigers have had quarterbacks who were exceptional in certain areas—such as Bo Nix, who had the ability to make plays with his legs—but the overall play at the position had been inconsistent, with the offense often failing to find a rhythm.
In order for Auburn to compete at the highest levels of the SEC, Freeze knew that he would have to recruit and develop quarterbacks who could thrive in his system. This meant bringing in players who had the potential to fit both the traditional and dual-threat molds he was seeking.
As of now, Auburn’s quarterback room features a blend of experienced players, including returning players who have spent significant time with the team, and new faces—both of whom are expected to compete for the starting role. Key quarterbacks like Payton Thorne, a transfer from Michigan State, and Robbie Ashford, a returning player with significant mobility, give Freeze the kind of depth and flexibility he desires. Each player offers something different to the table, and this will give Freeze the luxury of tailoring his offensive game plans to each quarterback’s skill set.
Payton Thorne, who arrives with a wealth of experience from his time as the starter at Michigan State, is a highly regarded pro-style quarterback who can throw the ball with accuracy and efficiency. His strengths lie in his pocket presence, decision-making, and ability to read defenses quickly. Thorne’s experience in high-pressure games will be invaluable in Freeze’s offense, and he represents the “traditional” side of the quarterback equation—offering accuracy and consistency in the passing game.
On the other hand, Robbie Ashford brings an entirely different skill set to the position. As a dual-threat quarterback with excellent mobility, Ashford is capable of extending plays with his legs and being a true weapon in the open field. He has the ability to break free from pressure and make plays on the run, making him a dangerous weapon against aggressive SEC defenses. He also possesses a strong arm, though his decision-making and consistency in the passing game will be a key area for development under Freeze’s tutelage.
Freeze sees the competition between Thorne and Ashford as a win-win situation. He views the contrasting skill sets as an advantage, as it gives him the option to adapt his offense depending on the situation. If Auburn needs a pocket passer who can manage the game and make precise throws, Thorne is the choice. If the Tigers need a more mobile quarterback who can make plays with his legs and keep defenses on edge, Ashford is ready to step in. Freeze is intent on using both quarterbacks in ways that highlight their strengths, whether that means rotating them during games or using different quarterbacks for specific situations.
Strategic Flexibility: The Best of Both Worlds
The concept of having “the best of both worlds” in the quarterback room isn’t just about having multiple quarterbacks with different styles—it’s about creating strategic flexibility in Freeze’s offensive playbook. By having quarterbacks who can both pass and run effectively, Freeze can use a variety of schemes to confuse defenses and exploit weaknesses. This flexibility allows Auburn to be unpredictable and dynamic, a necessity in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of the SEC.
Freeze’s philosophy is rooted in creating an offense that can adjust on the fly. If one quarterback is struggling, Freeze has the ability to pivot and put in a different type of player who can help change the game. Moreover, having two quarterbacks with different skill sets allows Freeze to take advantage of matchups based on the opposing defense.
For example, if Auburn faces a team with a strong pass rush, Freeze may opt for Ashford, whose ability to escape pressure and extend plays could give the Tigers an advantage in avoiding sacks and making big plays on the move. On the other hand, if Auburn faces a defense that is vulnerable to the passing game, Thorne could be the preferred option, with his ability to read defenses and throw accurate passes in a traditional passing offense.
Freeze’s commitment to having the best of both worlds also extends to his development strategy. He doesn’t see the quarterback room as a competition between opposing skill sets but as an opportunity to develop quarterbacks into well-rounded players who are capable of executing multiple facets of the game. If one quarterback is primarily known for his ability to run but struggles with passing accuracy, Freeze will work to improve that aspect of his game. Similarly, if a quarterback is more of a traditional passer but needs to develop better mobility and escapability, Freeze will incorporate drills and schemes to enhance that ability.
Recruiting and the Future of Auburn’s Quarterback Room
While Freeze is focused on developing his current quarterbacks, he is also keeping an eye on recruiting and the future of Auburn’s quarterback room. He understands that in order to maintain success at Auburn, he will need to bring in quarterbacks who can continue the tradition of having a versatile and dynamic quarterback room. Freeze’s recruiting efforts will likely target quarterbacks who possess both passing ability and athleticism, as this will allow him to continue building his philosophy of having the best of both worlds.
In the coming years, Freeze plans to keep Auburn competitive in the recruiting battles for top quarterback talent, which will allow the Tigers to maintain a high level of competition at the position. Auburn has always been a highly attractive destination for top-tier recruits, and with Freeze’s offensive system in place, the Tigers are poised to continue drawing elite quarterbacks who are capable of thriving in his dual-threat approach.
