QB Robby Ashford earns new nickname from Auburn football fans

It has been a tremendous weekend for Auburn football. The Tigers stormed back into action on the Plains this weekend, marking Hugh Freeze’s debut in orange and blue. Fans finally got to witness what they’ve been anticipating for months: the revamped roster, the new schemes and systems, and a Freeze-led coaching staff in action.

Former Michigan State QB and this year’s QB1, Payton Thorne, made his first appearance in Jordan-Hare Stadium and marched the offense down the field quite a few times Saturday afternoon. But once the Tigers reached the endzone, it was Robby Ashford time.

While Ashford has not yet developed into a QB1, it’s clear that he still has a role in the offense just as Hugh Freeze said he would. The Tigers’ head coach has repeatedly emphasized Ashford’s speed and athletic ability, and it was utilized beautifully in the red zone this weekend.

Ashford rushed for three touchdowns against UMass, amping up excitement when he ran onto the field and took care of business in the endzone and ultimately earning himself a new nickname from Auburn football fans:

It’s clear that Ashford is not yet ready for the QB1 role, but he told the media after the game that it’s all love between himself and Payton Thorne and that the quarterback room is a “band of brothers.” With Thorne in the driver’s seat and Ashford waiting in the wings to provide backup, it’s very likely that Tiger fans will see a lot more of Redzone Robby this season.