Auburn Tigers News: Payton Thorne on coaches' support, Hugh Freeze on D-line depth
In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, Payton Thorne talks about the level of support he has received from the Auburn football coaching staff and Hugh Freeze talks depth on the defensive line
After the Music City Bowl last December, it was clear that Auburn football fans were clamoring for a transfer quarterback. Payton Thorne's first year on the Plains was nothing to write home about, but throughout the offseason, head coach Hugh Freeze has consistently told the media he has the utmost confidence in his returning quarterback, which has meant a lot to Thorne.
"Honestly, at the quarterback position having -- your coach having your back is huge, to be honest with you," Thorne said, per Auburn Rivals. "To hear those things from Coach Freeze is awesome. I feel like me and him are really on the same page right now. We're working to really see eye-to-eye on everything with the offense, and that comes with watching film.
"I think that we're really in a good place right now, and it's going to continue to get better."
Thorne was able to find success at his previous school Michigan State, and the hope is that with a full offseason under his belt and the elevation of the roster around him the Tigers' QB1 will be able to produce in a way he did not last season.
Hugh Freeze talks depth on the defensive line
The Auburn football team lost a lot of big pieces on the defense to the NFL Draft this year, but one of the most notable players to have left is defensive lineman Marcus Harris. Despite his loss, head coach Hugh Freeze told the media he is happy with the guys he has playing along the defensive line.
“Honestly, that’s one of the places I feel the best about our depth,” said Freeze, per Auburn Rivals. “Now, is the talent level totally there yet? I’m not totally sure. But I do think we have six inside guys that fit the mold of what you need.”
The Tigers brought in quite a few d-line transfers over the offseason, including Trill Carter, Gage Keys, Isaiah Raikes, and Philip Blidi and returned several veterans in Jayson Jones and Quientrail Jamison-Travis. Of course, sophomore Keldric Faulk will also play a big role on the d-line, and proved himself last year as a true freshman.
Despite the losses suffered by the defense over the offseason, the Tigers' coaching staff has done more than enough work to bring in guys to beef up the position group.