Hugh Freeze urgently calls on Auburn football position group to step up, fix mistakes

Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze discusses the improvements needed in the Tigers' secondary

The Auburn football program is relying on a lot of young talent this season. Of course, the true freshman wide receivers are getting the most attention, but a lot of the Tigers' defense is made up of younger guys who are eager to prove their worth.

Between the recent transfers and the incoming freshmen, there were 21 new additions to the Auburn defense in the wake of several departures for the NFL. The Tigers lost multiple key contributors, but with veteran Keionte Scott and recent Texas transfer Jerrin Thompson captaining the ship, and it will be imperative for the younger guys to step up and play a role.

There were flashes of greatness on Saturday but also plays where lack of experience was identifiable, like JC Hart's missed interception. Hart ended up deflecting the ball into the hands of the Alabama A&M wide receiver. However, Hart chased him down and tackled him just short of the end zone, keeping seven points off the board. It's that kind of effort that will guide the improvements of the young DBs throughout the season.

Freeze acknowledged the good plays, but also recognized room for improvement.

"I thought Kayin Lee was pretty solid," said Freeze about the true sophomore who has earned a starting role for the Tigers, per Auburn Rivals. "Keionte (Scott) was solid for the few snaps he played. (Antonio) Kite was pretty decent.

"We've got some improving to do. We can't panic and get so handsy. Be patient, stay in your technique and then go play the ball. I thought there were a few good ones."

The Auburn Tigers will return to action this Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium when they take on the Cal Golden Bears at 2:30 p.m.