What Auburn football players are saying about the freshmen on the team

The Tigers are playing a lot of freshmen this season, and they are earning the respect of their veteran teammates

It's been a tough season so far for the Auburn football team. In head coach Hugh Freeze's second season on the Plains, the talent level has risen but the Tigers are struggled to translate it to success on the football field.

Following last season, Freeze and his coaching staff brought in the #8 overall recruiting class, and their impact has been immediate. Between the loss of key players to the NFL and injuries that have been sustained this fall, the younger guys on the team have had to step up quickly.

From stellar receivers like Malcolm Simmons and Cam Coleman to the rockstars on defense like Demarcus Riddick and Jay Crawford, the more senior leaders on the team are impressed.

"‘I’m happy to be around these freshmen. Like, they are all keyed onto the moment," linebacker Jalen McLeod said, per AL.com. “When the lights are bright, They want it.”

“Riddick brings that energy that energy with the hits, open field tackling and smiling. That’s what you want. Everybody’s tight? No, let’s loosen up. That’s the energy he’s brought since arriving, and he’s still bringing it.”

For Eugene Asante, their performances are just another indicator that Auburn football is on its way back to the top.

“It just really shows you how bright the future is and how talented those young guys are. They’re great players now and understanding that they’re going to be even greater in the future,” Asante said. “Their preparation is key. They come to meetings early and are taking detailed notes. We’re going to continue to lean on them the rest of the season.”

Auburn football returns to action this Saturday in Columbia for a matchup with Missouri.