Players and coaches talk about the A-Day game, their performances, and the state of the Auburn football program following spring practice
2024 spring practice is finished, the end marked by the Tigers' spring A-Day game this past weekend. It was perfect weather, the exact opposite of last year's conditions, and Auburn football fans got to see the Tigers back in action with the new freshmen and transfer additions.
Freshman wide receiver Cam Coleman shone, racking up 92 yards on four catches, and freshman kicker Towns McGough scored 21 of the offense's 28 points. It was a solid end to spring practices for the Tigers, and several players and coaches had quotes of note following the scrimmage.
Head coach Hugh Freeze on the defense, per Auburn Live:
“I felt like they won the line of scrimmage, That’s very positive. I like the effort the guys are giving over there, I just don’t think you can ever have enough of them. We have a couple of spots left on our roster that if you’re going to fill it, let’s fill it with D-line with receivers. That’s where we need to add some more depth. It did seem like they played well today. We need some of those young kids like DJ Reed, Bobby to come on and I thought DJ made some plays in the backfield, TJ Lindsey showed up, obviously the two young ends are talented. I was excited, but I thought the D-line dominated the line of scrimmage today.”
Wide receiver Cam Coleman on his A-Day performance, per AuburnTigers.com:
"An abundance of joy," said Coleman. It was a great feeling. They're trusting me to win on the one-on-one balls and just go get it."
Quarterback Payton Thorne on chemistry with the wide receivers, per Auburn Undercover:
"Yeah, I think it's getting there," Thorne said. "I think we made strides here in the spring and I think things are moving in the direction that we want them. I know they are. Throughout the summer, it's just going to get better and better. Running routes on air, meeting, working 7-on-7, that'll be player-led stuff. We'll have a good look at that and a good feel for what we want to be in the fall. We already know what we want to bet, but a better feel for it."
Kicker Towns McGough on his experience in Jordan-Hare on Saturday, per Auburn Rivals:
"Growing up an Auburn fan my whole life, it just meant everything to me getting that opportunity to do it today and being trusted by my teammates and coaches. It’s really a dream come true,” said Towns, who graduated from Auburn High School.
Though Hugh Freeze said earlier this spring that the defense and the defensive line were 'question marks,' the defense put on an impressive performance this weekend. There were flashes of potential from the quarterbacks and wide receivers and some great plays made by the defensive backs. With new coordinators and new schemes, hopefully the Tigers will take a step forward in the 2024 season.