Auburn football OC Austin Davis instrumental in landing Zach Calzada

Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback coach Austin Davis was just hired by Auburn football several weeks ago, but he’s already making an impact for the Tigers on the recruiting trail. After combing the NCAA transfer portal for new quarterback talent, Davis helped secure the commitment of former Texas A&M quarterback Zach Calzada.

Calzada started 10 straight games for the Aggies after replacing Haynes King as QB1 and was the only quarterback in 2021 to beat Alabama. Now, he becomes Auburn football’s second quarterback to transfer from the SEC West in as many years.

Despite lacking a “wow factor” on his stat sheet, Calzada has proven time and again that his toughness and ability to extend plays means more than a number on a piece of paper, and Coach Davis had to see that for the Tigers to push so hard for the QB.

Per 247Sports, Calzada was introduced to head coach Bryan Harsin by way of Auburn linebacker Kameron Brown, who was hanging out with the QB in their hometown over the break and gave him Harsin’s phone number. According to Calzada, the Tigers’ new offensive coordinator was a huge factor in his decision to come to the Plains:

"“That was huge,” Calzada told Auburn Undercover by phone Thursday. “I’ve been Zooming with Coach Davis; we’ve been talking ball, about his scheme, what he brings to the table and how I fit in his offense. Just the different ways he can develop me as a quarterback, it’s been huge.”"

The former Aggie also had high praise for Harsin and his offensive system, which he believes will allow him to be successful next season:

"“It’s quarterback-friendly,” Calzada said. “Coach Harsin has a great history of having quarterbacks with a lot of success; same for Coach Davis. It’s just a great opportunity for me to come in, compete, learn the scheme they’re running and find my fit.”"

Although it seems that Auburn football has not yet finished recruiting transfer portal quarterbacks, it’s safe to say that the staff has a good feeling about Zach Calzada.