Football season is right around the corner.
This is confirmed by SEC Media Days taking place this week in Dallas.
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze took the podium on Thursday afternoon to discuss a variety of topics, including recruiting, the home-field advantage provided by Jordan-Hare Stadium and more.
Freeze addressed the status of Auburn's rebuild and the progress that has been made since he was handed the keys to the program.
"I think I'll be ready to judge that after this season," Freeze said. "I do believe we've been improved our culture, our chemistry, and our roster. Most places I think it takes you two full recruiting cycles to get your roster like you want it when you inherit a program that was down. It's been my experience. But I've also — every place we have been, I think we've seen improvement in year two."
"So I know that we're on the right track. We're recruiting at a high level. So is everybody else. But we're recruiting at a high level. And the standard and accountability and culture is getting better and the chemistry is among the staff is better, which is breeding confidence into our players. So I think we're on the right track. But what does that mean in win-loss total this fall? I'm not sure yet."
Freeze talked about previous times in his career when young players produced early and if Cam Coleman, a wide receiver and the crown jewel of Auburn's 2024 recruiting class, has similar characteristics to those players.
"I do," Freeze said. "That's a great question. I've had some really really great receivers. And I think of Laquon Treadwell. He came in and just fit naturally. Caught 75 balls as a freshman. And obviously still in the NFL. We've signed some others that, you know, are in the NFL now but we red-shirted. They weren't quite ready. And so it's very hard for me to predict, you know, exactly how these young kids will perform against, you know, obviously the DBs in this league are probably the best athletes on the field when it comes to quick twitch and change of direction and all those things. So how are they going to perform? Really pleased with Cam (Coleman)."
"I think Perry Thompson has the physical tools. You start there for the traits. Do they have the physical size and strength and speed to do that? Both of those kids."
Freeze spoke on the loss of Jaylin Simpson in the secondary and which players will be called upon to fill his role.
"Jerrin Thompson, our transfer from Texas, and (Keionte) Scott will be the voices back there," Freeze said. "Champ (Anthony) is another voice that carries weight. But the back end to get us all lined up right, Jerrin (Thompson), we're moving Keionte (Scott) to corner. Jerrin (Thompson) will have a responsibility of kind of taking over that role."
Freeze spoke on Payton Thorne and the confidence he has in him as a quarterback and his ability to lead the offense.
"I've seen him play at a high level at a power five school," Freeze said. "I think in year two with us and him sensing the chemistry in the offensive staff room is bred confidence in him, but probably most importantly I think he feels like if he's supposed to take a three-step drop from the shot gun and throw a curl route, I think he feels confident that he has guys that can win. And when you are not confident on that that they can win at the top end, you become really really hesitant and your throw is late or it doesn't go off at all and now the pressure comes. And those three things to me are the reason I'm optimistic for him in year two."
Freeze talked about the Auburn fans and the environment the Tigers get to enjoy at home games.
"Two straight years of sell out," Freeze said. "We're thankful for our fans. They are faithful and loyal. They love their Auburn Tigers. And our student section is the best. We get there two hours before the game and it is packed already. Everybody wants the lottery to get the tickets to the games we want. Wish we had bigger space for all of them to come."
"But the feeling at Auburn to me is such -- and I'm not saying other places don't have it. But I think Auburn is unique in this family feel that they have. And whether or not you all go to the same church or you don't or you have different beliefs or not. Come Saturday, the love for a program and a school trumps all of that and you feel that at Auburn."
2024 will be an important year for Auburn as the Tigers try to reclaim their place as a perennial contender in the SEC.
The Tigers open the season at home against New Mexico on Saturday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+/SECN+.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.locke@1819news.com.
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