Last year the Auburn football program welcomed many talented freshmen to its roster, from wide receivers to defensive backs to linemen. Some immediately made a big impact for the team on the field, and others played a more limited role while they waited for their chance to shine.
Heading into their second season on the Plains, Freeze has noticed many of the second-year players have improved their game with a full offseason under their belts.
Wide receiver Malcolm Simmons became a big name for the Tigers last season, but had work to do to cement himself as a regular member of the rotation. Perry Thompson did not get the opportunity to make as big of an impact as he would like as a freshman, but put his head down and worked harder, and Freeze has taken notice.
Freeze also mentioned young defensive back Jay Crawford as someone who has shown significant improvement. Crawford saw a lot of play time as a true freshman and has begun to come into himself in his second year.
"Malcolm (Simmons) and Perry (Thompson) jump off the page as much better route runners, understanding depth of routes, how you release, how to shave routes against man, zone," Freeze said, per Auburn Undercover. "I think both of them have improved themselves well there. Defensively, Amaris Williams is starting to try to understand. He's just used to being so athletic coming out of high school. He was just, 'Well, I think I'm going to rush outside this time.' No, you can't do that in this call. I would say he's starting to understand it and get it better also. Robert Woodyard is doing some good things also. Heck, I'm sure I'm forgetting somebody. Not talking about the new guys, just the ones we had.
"Jay Crawford, man, he had a solid year last year, but he continues to flash in one-on-ones, playing the ball with good technique. Not so handsy as he was last year. There's been several of those guys. D-Wade has improved a lot, just moving inside and letting him stay there."