On the fourth day of the 2024 SEC Media Days in Dallas, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze got his opportunity to speak to the media. Freeze was asked a lot about playing at Jordan-Hare Stadium, quarterback Payton Thorne, the incoming receivers, and much more. It is a big season ahead for Freeze and the Tigers. It is his second year at Auburn, and improvement is expected after a 6-7 season in 2023.
Hugh Freeze at SEC Media Days
Payton Thorne
One of the biggest questions for the Auburn Tigers going into the season is quarterback Payton Thorne. In one of the sessions with Freeze, he was asked about his confidence in Thorne to win games this season. “I’ve seen him play at a high level at a power five school (Michigan State).” From the comments by Freeze, he seems to believe Thorne did not have the confidence last season with the receivers on the field. He went on to say, “I think he feels confident that he has guys that can win. And when you are not confident that they can win at the top end, you become really hesitant.” Thorne did show unwillingness to let the ball go at times and that did lead to either bad decisions or sacks for the Tigers.
Auburn does have a new quarterback coach this season in Kent Austin, who has spent time with Freeze in the past. When talking about Austin, Freeze talked about how he is one of the best fundamental quarterback coaches he has been around. He went on to say, “I think Payton will experience the results of his wisdom.” Austin had a big impact on the development of Malik Willis at Liberty with Freeze. “The job he did with Malik Willis was phenomenal”, said Freeze. If he can have that same impact with Thorne, it will mean success for Auburn this season.
The Freeze Four
The Auburn receivers struggled getting open last season which caused some of the hesitancy from Thorne. The Tigers have an incoming group of pass-catchers that is one of the best in the country if not the best. They signed five-star recruits Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson along with four-stars Bryce Cain and Malcolm Simmons. While in the main room on Thursday, Freeze talked about the excitement of the upgrades to the room. Auburn also added KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Penn State) and Robert Lewis (Georgia State) from the transfer portal.
Coleman really showed his potential in the Auburn A-Day Game in April. “Really pleased with Cam”, said Freeze. “I think Perry Thompson has the physical tools”, he also added. Teams under Freeze have had success with receivers and getting them to the NFL. Freeze noted that on Thursday. “I’ve had some really great receivers. And I think of Laquon Treadwell. He came in and just fit naturally.” During his freshman year at Ole Miss in 2013, Treadwell had 72 catches in the season. In his final season in 2015, he caught 82 passes for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns. If Coleman or Thompson have that kind of production, the Tigers are in good shape.
Playing at Jordan-Hare Stadium
Early in the week, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and starting quarterback Carson Beck talked about how hard it is to play in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Bulldogs learned that lesson last season narrowly defeating the Tigers 27-20. Freeze gave the credit to the Auburn fans. “They are faithful and loyal. They love their Auburn Tigers. And our student section is the best.” Auburn opens with five consecutive home games before not seeing Jordan-Hare Stadium the entire month of October. He talked about how having the first five at home is not ideal for the fans, but it could be advantageous. Freeze went on to say, “If we can get on a run and get the season started really well, that could be advantageous”. He also stated how critical it is for the team to get off to a fast start.
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