Auburn football HC Hugh Freeze on OL after opening week of spring practice

After week one of the most highly anticipated Auburn football spring practice session in quite a few years, the Tigers had a week off for the university’s spring break holiday. All the staff and players got a break, and prepared for week two of practices in a return meeting on Sunday night.

While the starting quarterback is still a question mark, both fans and head coach Hugh Freeze knew that one of the biggest projects the Tigers would have to tackle is revamping the offensive line.

For a multitude of reasons, the offensive line was a massive problem for the Tigers last season, and it affected the way the rest of the offense was able to perform a lot of the time. There is no doubt that this season’s o-line will need to be stronger and more cohesive than last season’s.

Hugh Freeze began to make progress through his recruitment of offensive linemen, from high schools to transfers to junior colleges. While the true freshmen may not see game time in 2023, the transfers are expected to take over as starters and have an instant impact.

According to Coach Freeze, the process of improvement has already begun in practice, and players are already distinguishing themselves as leaders and contributors within the position group, per Auburn Live:

"“I was pleased with the O-Line during the first few practices. … I think we improved ourself for sure. They are a group you can depend on each week to bring it at practice.” Freeze mentioned Izavion Miller, Gunner Britton, Avery Jones, Tate Johnson by name, saying Johnson has been an incredible leader. “There’s an expectation that we’re tryin to set and he’s trying to drive that train. Wearing Auburn on his chest means something.”"

Gunner Britton and Avery Jones are both transfers that came in during this recruiting cycle, and Izavion Miller arrived to the Auburn football program from Southwest Mississippi Community College. Meanwhile, Tate Johnson stepped up last season to play center after Nick Brahms’ unexpected medical retirement before having to miss out on the end of the season due to injury, himself.