Auburn football: Bryan Harsin high on T.J. Finley as QB1 in practice
Auburn football QB T.J. Finley’s time as the Tigers’ starting signal-caller may not be done since HC Bryan Harsin is higher on him than anyone else in the QB room — raving about Finley to reporters while offering a dismissive take on Zach Calzada and commenting more on Robby Ashford’s potential than his actual production.
Harsin went into detail about Finley’s performance this past Saturday in front of a limited crowd of boosters and well-connected Auburn University alumni, saying that the six-foot-seven QB ‘understands what we’re trying to accomplish.’
As for Calzada, Harsin called his play “solid” and shouted out his touchdown pass in the scrimmage. Those in attendance at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday were said to be unimpressed with his play under center.
When it comes to Harsin’s assessment of A-Day MVP Robby Ashford, the HC says it sucks not being able to assess what a dual-threat can do in a practice where protecting the quarterback is of the utmost importance for defensive players.
Back to Finley, though. It appears as if the second-year Auburn football passer is the new frontrunner for the starting job based on Harsin’s praise — which certainly reads like an endorsement for AU’s most important position:
"“He conceptually picks things up very quickly. Listens to the details and all the little nuances of the plays — what everybody’s supposed to be doing. If there’s a coaching point made, not just for him but for everybody, he’ll remember that coaching point and be able to echo it whenever it comes up, or remind guys.”"
Auburn football fans must give T.J. Finley a chance
Rolling out an Auburn football offense on September 3rd that includes T.J. Finley leading the charge is a decision that could rub many Tiger fans the wrong way after how the 2021 season ended.
Still, if Finley proves to be the man for the job, there’s not a single reason any self-respecting AU supporter that should be against the decision. 20-year-olds improve over their time with the right support staff around them, and with an arm and frame like Finley possesses, there’s no reason that couldn’t happen in 2022.