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Auburn Tigers News: Hugh Freeze talks wide receiver depth, Keionte Scott's dual role

In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, Hugh Freeze talks about all the rotation at wide receiver and Keionte Scott's dual role on the team.

By Mary Kate Hughes

Nov 11, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Keionte Scott (0) returns a punt and gets past Arkansas Razorbacks long snapper Eli Stein (48) during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 48-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Keionte Scott (0) returns a punt and gets past Arkansas Razorbacks long snapper Eli Stein (48) during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 48-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports / brett rojo-usa today sports
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In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, Hugh Freeze talks about all the rotation at wide receiver and Keionte Scott's dual role on the team

All eyes were on Auburn football's freshman wide receivers on Saturday night and they did not disappoint. Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, and Malcolm Simmons all put points on the board in the season opener and looked every bit as impressive as promised.

Though Alabama A&M was far from a formidable opponent for the Tigers, head coach Hugh Freeze expects to see big plays from the pass catchers all season in any variation of the rotation. Freeze said decisions about who goes in will be made based on specific plays and even fatigue.

"I don't care if it's Malcolm that started," Freeze said, per Auburn Undercover. "He started because we had a specific play. Robert (Lewis) is probably going to start most games because of the experience. It literally is a free rotation between Robert, Malcolm and Sam (Jackson V) at that slot position. … I don't want any of them playing tired. If they have to run a streak route and it's an incomplete pass or something, they shouldn't be in there the next play. 

"I'm not as caught up in who's running out there first. Malcolm did because we felt like his skill set was best for that play."

Keionte Scott's dual role on the team

Cornerback Keionte Scott was one of the most important returners this season. With so many members of the Tigers' secondary headed to the NFL after last season, Scott's veteran presence and skill set will be invaluable this year.

But as important as he is on the defense, Hugh Freeze places high value on Scott's role on special teams as punt returner.

“We need him back there,” said Freeze of Scott’s punt returning, per Auburn Rivals. “He's dynamic and has proven he can change field position for us.

“So, we want to get him as healthy as possible. But we need him back there, for sure. I thought Dre was solid at catching it, and so was Upton. But Keionte has proven he can change the field position back there.”

Scott's two punt returns in the season opener totaled 44 yards, and he led the SEC last season with an average of 14.8 yards per punt.

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