If there is one thing that Hugh Freeze has undoubtedly done well since taking over as the head coach of the Auburn football program, it’s mining the transfer portal. With a lot of upperclassmen graduating and moving on from the Plains, there will be talent and depth gaps that have to be filled by guys that are ready to play ball.
Former Cincinnati and Hawaii wide receiver Nick Mardner became the Tigers’ eighth transfer commit yesterday, just a couple hours before former USF running back Brian Battie joined the ranks as transfer #9.
The 6-foot-6-inch receiver has four years of experience under his belt—three at Hawaii and one at Cincinnati. Mardner’s best season in Hawaii was 2021, which was also the year that current Auburn football wide receivers coach Marcus Davis oversaw the Rainbow Warriors’ receivers. Now, the pair will reunite on the Plains, and Mardner is thrilled, per Auburn Undercover:
"“He’s like family,” Mardner said. “We were tied back to Hawai’i in ‘21 and he was a big part of my development. I think I played my best ball with him. That’s like family.”"
In 2021, Mardner racked up 913 yards on 46 catches and five touchdowns. Throughout his four-year football career, the WR totals 81 receptions for 1,488 yards and 11 touchdowns. He visited Auburn’s campus this past weekend and quickly decided that the Plains was where he wanted to spend his last year of eligibility.
But is he ready to make his mark in the SEC? According to Mardner, he performs best under pressure and is eager to play in front of loud, SEC crowds:
"“Big-time SEC ball,” Mardner said about his choice. “I play my best games in big-time — I had my best game last year against Arkansas. I think I play my best ball in the big environments. This is a football town that revolves around it and to be a part of that is something special.”"
The Tigers remain at the #19 overall spot in 2023 recruiting rankings, and place ninth in transfer recruiting rankings. But Freeze isn’t finished yet—expect more transfers before it’s all said and done.