It could be the end of the line for T.J. Finley’s relationship with Auburn football this spring, though it’s also possible that the six-foot-seven quarterback’s best days in a Tigers uniform are still ahead of him. This spring will be the determining factor in that fork in the road.
Tom Green looked at the issue in his latest for AL.com focusing on five position battles worth keeping an eye on as the Auburn football program transitions from the dead period to spring practice, which starts February 27.
According to the beat reporter, the spring will be a period of reflection for the quarterback as he heads into his fourth collegiate season, and what would be his third on the Plains if he stayed past the spring:
"“It will be interesting to see how Finley figures into the picture this spring, and whether he feels he has a future with the team after the coaching change, or if he tries to reassess his options after the spring semester.”"
Options for T.J. Finley if he leaves Auburn football
There have been two theories this offseason in regards to where Finley would transfer to if he did decide to find success with a third school — with one of them involving a step down to the FCS ranks and the other keeping him in the spotlight at a Power Five pillar.
The FCS jump would bring Finley closer to home and teaming up with his brother Kody, a wide receiver, at Southeastern Louisiana of the Southland Conference. The other would see him join the Buckeyes quarterback battle at Ohio State. That rumor started because Finley was in Columbus.
Finley will always have interest due to his physical attributes, and anyone who has seen him in practice understands that his big arm can be married to consistent accuracy. Should he fall behind Robby Ashford, and maybe even Holden Geriner, during spring practices, it’s more than likely he’ll explore his options elsewhere.