AUBURN – Fall camp is in the books for the Auburn Tigers.
The Tigers had their final scrimmage of camp Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and head coach Hugh Freeze talked about the things he liked and the things he did not.
Freeze mentioned that the team had some trouble with its energy today.
"Maybe it's just the size of the stadium, but we seemed flat," Freeze said. "Practices this week were really, really good. I thought the energy was good and I didn't sense that same energy."
All three quarterbacks got some chances. Payton Thorne, the junior transfer from Michigan State who was named the starter earlier this week, went 12-17 with two touchdowns and one interception. Junior Robby Ashford went 8-15 with two touchdowns. Sophomore Holders Geriner went 7-11.
The offensive line has been a topic of heavy discussion since Freeze took over the program. Overall, the first-year head coach likes what he has seen from the room.
"A guy that has stood out all camp is Izavion Miller," Freeze said. "We can't keep him off the field, he's going to have to play. Gunner (Britton) is a guy that knows all five spots. That gives us some flexibility to maneuver around."
Kick-off and punt return poisons also appear to be set.
"(Brian) Battie will get the nod at kick-off return to start with," Freeze said. "I do think we have other options too, but he's proven to be one of the nation's best. Keionte (Scott) will probably get the nod at punt return."
The defensive back position has seen a lot of growth. Freeze acknowledged just how far the unit has come since the spring. D.J. James and Nehemiah Pritchett are the leaders in the room.
"I think D.J. (James) and (Nehemiah) Pritchett are practicing at a high level," Freeze said. "It's really easy if you think you're the guy, which they are, to coast. I thought they coasted the first week but they really turned it on in practice this week.
Auburn kicks off the season against the UMass Minutemen at home inside Jordan-Hare Stadium in two weeks. The game is set for 2:30 p.m. CT and will be televised by ESPN.
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