Auburn Tigers Podcast: “The quarterback room at Auburn is MUCH BETTER than it was a year ago.”

In the world of college football, few positions are as scrutinized and discussed as the quarterback. The Auburn Tigers, a program with a storied football history, have seen their fair share of ups and downs at the quarterback position in recent years. As the 2024 season approaches, fans, analysts, and pundits alike are eager to see how the Tigers will perform under center. On a recent edition of the Auburn Tigers Podcast, the topic of conversation revolved around the quarterback room at Auburn, with the bold statement: “The quarterback room at Auburn is MUCH BETTER than it was a year ago.”

This statement has sparked a wave of excitement and curiosity among Auburn fans, who have witnessed the trials and tribulations of the quarterback position in recent years. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the context behind this statement, examine the changes that have occurred within the Auburn quarterback room, and analyze how these developments may impact the Tigers’ season moving forward.

Auburn’s Quarterback Situation in Recent Years

For several seasons, the quarterback position at Auburn has been a source of uncertainty. The Tigers have had a series of quarterbacks who struggled with consistency, leading to inconsistent offensive performances and frustrations for fans and coaches alike. Bo Nix, the former Auburn quarterback, was a polarizing figure during his tenure with the Tigers. Though he had flashes of brilliance, Nix’s overall play was often inconsistent, and Auburn’s offense struggled as a result.

In 2022, Nix transferred to Oregon, which left Auburn with even more questions about the future of their quarterback situation. Over the past few seasons, Auburn’s quarterback play has been inconsistent, with players like TJ Finley, Zach Calzada, and Robbie Ashford all getting chances to take the reins, but none of them could fully establish themselves as a clear and consistent starter. This inconsistency has hindered Auburn’s offensive development and caused the team to underperform in key moments.

However, the 2024 season promises to be different. The Auburn quarterback room, as highlighted in the podcast, has undergone significant changes, and there is now a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the position. Let’s break down the changes and key players that are contributing to the revitalization of Auburn’s quarterback room.

The Arrival of Hugh Freeze and the Coaching Staff Changes

A major shift in the quarterback room came with the hiring of Hugh Freeze as Auburn’s head coach in 2023. Freeze, known for his success at other programs like Liberty and Ole Miss, brought with him a proven offensive system that emphasizes quarterback development. His reputation for working with quarterbacks is well-established, and his ability to maximize the potential of his signal-callers has been a hallmark of his coaching career.

Freeze’s offensive system is a breath of fresh air for Auburn, as it is tailored to suit the strengths of quarterbacks with a diverse skill set. Whether it’s a quarterback who excels in the pocket or one who thrives in a more mobile role, Freeze’s system is flexible enough to accommodate various styles of play. For Auburn quarterbacks, this means they now have a coach who understands how to develop talent and put them in positions to succeed.

In addition to Freeze, Auburn’s offensive coordinator, Philip Montgomery, has played a crucial role in revamping the offense. Montgomery, who previously served as the head coach at Tulsa, has a wealth of experience in running high-powered offenses. His presence in the quarterback room has been invaluable, providing a structured and well-rounded approach to quarterback development.

The Return of Robbie Ashford: A Season of Growth

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Auburn’s quarterback room heading into 2024 is the return of Robbie Ashford. Ashford, a dual-threat quarterback who transferred to Auburn in 2022, had flashes of brilliance last season but was often inconsistent. However, after a year of development under Freeze and Montgomery, Ashford is poised to take on a more prominent role in 2024.

Ashford’s athleticism and ability to make plays with his legs have always been his biggest strengths. His ability to extend plays and escape pressure makes him a dangerous weapon in Freeze’s offense, which thrives on mobility and improvisation. While his passing accuracy was a concern last season, Ashford’s development in that area over the offseason has been a focal point for the coaching staff. Freeze and Montgomery have worked tirelessly to refine his mechanics and decision-making, and the early returns have been positive.

One of the key aspects of Ashford’s development is his confidence. In 2023, he was still adjusting to the college game, learning the intricacies of the offense, and figuring out how to balance his athleticism with the need to be a more consistent passer. By 2024, Ashford has gained experience and maturity, and he is now much more comfortable in Freeze’s system. If Ashford can take the next step as a passer and continue to use his legs to make plays, he could emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.

The Arrival of New Quarterbacks: The Competition Heats Up

While Ashford’s return is a positive development for Auburn, the competition for the starting quarterback spot in 2024 is far from settled. The Tigers have added several intriguing pieces to their quarterback room, including Hank Brown, a highly-rated freshman, and Payton Thorne, a transfer from Michigan State.

Payton Thorne, in particular, has generated significant buzz since his arrival. Thorne brings with him experience as a starter at Michigan State, where he showcased his ability to lead an offense at a high level. Known for his strong arm and ability to make throws downfield, Thorne has the potential to elevate Auburn’s passing game. His familiarity with Freeze’s system and his ability to process information quickly make him a valuable asset in the competition for the starting job.

Thorne’s presence in the quarterback room adds an extra layer of competition for Ashford, which can only be a good thing for Auburn. The Tigers now have two quarterbacks with different skill sets but who both bring a competitive edge to the table. Thorne’s experience as a starter at the Power Five level gives him an advantage in terms of maturity and decision-making, but Ashford’s mobility and dynamic playmaking ability make him a dangerous threat in any situation.

Hank Brown, the freshman, is another player who has the potential to make an impact. Though he is still learning the ropes of college football, Brown is highly regarded for his potential and upside. As a talented recruit with a strong arm and impressive physical tools, Brown has the potential to develop into a key piece for Auburn’s future. While he may not be in the conversation for the starting job right away, his presence in the quarterback room adds depth and competition, ensuring that the Tigers have a talented group of quarterbacks moving forward.

The Impact of the Quarterback Room on Auburn’s 2024 Season

The changes in Auburn’s quarterback room have the potential to dramatically impact the team’s success in 2024. A much-improved quarterback play would not only benefit the offense but could also elevate the entire program. The Tigers have a solid defense and a strong running game, but without consistent play at the quarterback position, their ability to compete with the best teams in the SEC and make a run at the SEC Championship would be limited.

Having multiple options at quarterback provides Auburn with a level of flexibility that they have not had in recent years. If Ashford continues to develop and becomes more consistent as a passer, he could provide the Tigers with the dual-threat capabilities that are difficult to defend against. On the other hand, if Thorne earns the starting job, his experience and ability to make precise throws could provide Auburn with a more traditional style of quarterback play that complements their offensive system.

The coaching staff, led by Freeze and Montgomery, is well-positioned to get the best out of whichever quarterback takes the reins. Freeze’s ability to tailor his offense to the strengths of his quarterbacks means that both Ashford and Thorne will have opportunities to succeed, even if their styles of play differ. The competition between the two will push both players to improve and could ultimately lead to Auburn having one of the best quarterback rooms in the SEC.