AUBURN – Training camp continues for the Auburn Tigers, and the energy surrounding the program is high.
Recent success on the recruiting trail, paired with the excitement of a fast-approaching season, has head coach Hugh Freeze ready for the 2024 campaign.
Freeze talked about what he has seen from the Tigers throughout training camp so far.
"I'm really pleased honestly," Freeze said. "We've been a little inconsistent on special teams which is disappointing, I think we'll get that fixed and be ok. Offensively and defensively there has been some good back and forth. I think our kids are gaining an understanding of both schemes."
Offensive line play has been a constant issue for Auburn over the last several seasons. Freeze made it a priority to make that unit better this season, and he already likes what he sees.
"We're forming some (depth)," Freeze said. "He doesn't get talked about a lot but (Bradyn) Joiner has really surprised me truthfully. He's going to be a really solid backup for us and can play all three in the middle. Tate (Johnson) is leading and practicing really hard."
"Dre Carter has got something to him now. He's just a freshman and needs to get stronger and all of that but he moves people. Those three along with Tyler Johnson and Ronan Chambers has done some good things at tackle."
Freeze discussed the progression made by Payton Thorne this offseason and how he has developed.
"I think Payton (Thorne) is gaining an understanding of my mind and (Derrick) Nix's mind on how we see this offense operating and what we depend upon him to fix and he's had some really good moments where he did some things that made me go 'alright,'" Freeze said.
Auburn lost a big part of its defensive line in Marcus Harris. Freeze talked about what that group looks like heading into the fall.
"Marcus Harris was pretty dominant," Freeze said. "Do we have that guy? I don't know. I do think we have six to seven bodies that fit the prototype of what we need in there."
Freeze described the impact he was hoping that bringing in new coordinators would have with bringing energy to the team and how his expectations have been met.
"It was absolutely necessary for me to do that, for my sanity, for my help," Freeze said. "I have to have some help with that and DJ (Durkin) and Charles (Kelly) and (Derrick) Nix really have helped me with that. I think it's become contagious. I think the kids see it. I think it bleeds over into some confidence for them."
Auburn opens the season at home against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on August 31 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The broadcast can be found on ESPN+/SEC Network+.
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