New Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze kickstarted his time on the Plains by rescuing the Tigers’ recruiting class of 2023 and making waves on the recruiting trail. The top priority was to restock the trenches, securing linemen on either side of the ball, but many fans are curious as to who will end up being Auburn’s next QB1.
Though Freeze was able to lock in quarterbacks for the recruiting classes of 2023 and 2024 in Hank Brown and Walker White, the Tigers did not take a transfer quarterback in the first portal window, which was expected after Zach Calzada left the Plains.
Currently, the quarterbacks that Freeze has to work with are junior TJ Finley, sophomore Robby Ashford, redshirt freshman Holden Geriner, and sophomore walk-on Sawyer Pate. There is a lot of potential talent, but Freeze himself has said that the QBs that played last season were difficult to evaluate due to the struggles of the offensive line and that the room has some growing up to do.
However, there is still a possibility that the coaching staff will take a transfer quarterback when the portal opens again after spring practice. Hugh Freeze has a reputation for being a QB developer, and he told Auburn Live that the number one trait he is looking for in the next Auburn football QB1 is accuracy:
"“At Auburn there’s no question in my mind, No. 1 is accuracy,” Freeze said. “No. 2 is the ability to lead a football team and be the face and representation of the program. Three would be arm strength and the fourth, I would love for him to have some maneuverability. Some escapability.”"
Right away, it would seem that Robby Ashford fits this mold almost perfectly. Though his accuracy needs improvement, he has demonstrated his ability to lead, his arm strength, and his ability to move quickly on his feet. With a little serious coaching, it’s possible Ashford can correct his problems and flourish in the Freeze offense.
The coaching staff will likely be looking for a transfer quarterback to add depth to the position if nothing else, but a newcomer to the room would certainly face competition in Ashford.