As Auburn football fans followed the progress of the team throughout the summer months and fall camp, there was a lot of hype surrounding several freshmen on the Tigers’ roster. For game one, things were mostly focused on the quarterback situation, but with the expectation that game two will utilize both Robby Ashford and TJ Finley once again, attention has turned to some of the newer faces on the team.
While several of the younger players got to see the field a little against the Mercer Bears, head coach Bryan Harsin said on Thursday that fans can expect to see more action from the underclassmen this weekend, per Auburn Undercover:
"“Some of these young guys we are going to get in the mix a little more,” Harsin said. “You saw some of them in the Mercer game. Some of those true freshmen are going to have a chance to play a little more in this game.”"
Out of the 14 players the Tigers signed to their recruiting class of 2022, six saw game action against Mercer. Three of those players were wide receivers in Jay Fair, Omari Kelly, and highly-touted Camden Brown, who could very well be one of the true freshmen we see more of in the upcoming contest.
Another freshman that could see more playing time this weekend is running back Damari Alston, who recorded four carries for nine yards and a 13-yard reception in his Auburn football debut. With both Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter ahead of him on the depth chart, the experience can only help improve Alston for next season, when there will be a much bigger need for him.
True freshmen that have yet to see the field for the Tigers include Alex McPherson (kicker), Eston Harris (OL), Enyce Sledge (DL), Powell Gordon and Robert Woodyard (LBs), Austin Ausberry and Caleb Wooden (DBs), and Holden Geriner (QB).