Hugh Freeze scored a major recruiting win in his first full class last year when former four-star quarterback Walker White committed to the Tigers over Clemson, Arkansas and other suitors heavily involved in White’s recruitment.
Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 41 overall prospect in the country and the No. 5 quarterback in the class, White took on the role of a leader for the 2024 class and was instrumental in helping reel in a top-10 class.
But, as with most freshmen quarterbacks entering their first year at the collegiate level, White found himself behind a returning senior in Payton Thorne and guys who already had some college experience under their belt in Hank Brown and Holden Geriner, leaving him with a limited opportunity to come in and compete for the starting nod right away.
Freeze mentioned earlier in fall camp that White has been exceptional in his role as scout team quarterback, even going as far as to say that White has been one of the better scout team quarterbacks he’s had during his coaching tenure.
During the season, though, it’s challenging for players who are lower on the depth chart to get any reps, as those are taken by the one and two options as the position, but Freeze says that hasn’t stopped White from continuing to improve and get work in on his own time.
“It's very hard. It's a challenge,” Freeze said on getting White reps during the practice week in-season. “The good thing is, Walker is a self-motivator, and he doesn't have to be asked to work. And so, he's going to stay after with you and get some extra work in with footwork drills, and different drills that the quarterback coaches have for him - and so do some of these young receivers with him. So, he can do a lot of that on his own as far as getting quality reps this time of the year.”
Moving into next season, White will have an opportunity to do what he came to Auburn to do: compete for the starting job. Although he will face competition, with Brown projected to be back for next season and current top-100 commit Deuce Knight expected to sign with the Tigers in December, Freeze is optimistic about the future with White leading the charge for the Auburn offense.
“I do spend a decent amount of time talking with Walker,” Freeze said. “Just about the future and quarterback play and leadership. “And again, I don't have to seek him out. He makes himself readily available.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email logan.fowler@1819News.com.
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