2022 was a roller coaster of a season for the Auburn football program. There was optimism to start off the season, but by the end of the Penn State game it became clear that it was more about working with what we’ve got and hoping for the best.
A credit to the players is that they never gave up as a team. Despite the hardships and adversity they were dealt, they fought for Auburn football in every game. One Tiger stood out as a leader, as someone with a lot of heart who believes in hard work even if he isn’t the most talented guy on the field: Robby Ashford.
The transfer quarterback was not expected to start last season, but ended up leading the Tigers’ offense for the majority of the fall. Though he made mistakes and was not the most experienced quarterback, he did his best to make up for it through his effort and his love for Auburn football.
However, this year is all about a program rebuild, and for that to happen, the Tigers need to win games and have a consistent identity on the offense. Many people think that recent transfer Payton Thorne is the best person to achieve that considering his track record at Michigan State. But Hugh Freeze still has high praise for Ashford, per AL.com:
"“We’ve challenged Robby since I’ve been here to elevate what comes with being the quarterback at Auburn. And I think he’s responding, mostly positive with that,” Freeze said. “On great teams, you’re never going to be the only guy that should be competing. Hopefully, (Ashford) handles it well because I do think Robby Ashford helps us win football games.”"
If Freeze thinks Ashford helps the Tigers win football games, that could indicate that the sophomore QB will have a role in 2023, regardless of whether or not he wins the starting job. It could be specific packages for Ashford at QB, or he could potentially slide into a new role. Either way, it’s clear that Ashford’s athletic ability is keeping him in the battle for QB1.