Hank Brown named backup QB by Hugh Freeze

Auburn has known it had a starting quarterback since the day the offseason began. Payton Thorne's job was never really in doubt despite a lackluster 2023 season, in large part due to the level of experience he has. In addition, all signs since the offseason has gotten into full swing suggest he's made at least a step forward as a passer in the new system, possibly much more.

What wasn't as clear leading into fall camp was how the backup QB role was going to shake out, especially with the loss of Robby Ashford to the South Carolina Gamecocks after the season ended. A trio of consensus 4 star prospects with extremely limited game experience competed for the position, being the next man up should anything force Thorne off the field. Holden Geriner was the veteran option of the three, being an addition from Bryan Harsin's second class on the plains. He'd seen some limited game action in garbage time and in relief of Thorne and Robby Ashford in Hugh Freeze's first year, but most of the discussion around Geriner was centered around his strides taken in practice.

Walker White was a true freshman addition to the room, and early on Coach Freeze made it clear during spring practice that the number 1 prospect in the state of Arkansas still had some work to do before he was ready to see the field. The talent is promising though.

Hank Brown appears to be the best of both worlds in terms of fit with the coaching staff and experience as a backup. His only game action of 2023 was a late entrance to the Music City Bowl against Maryland in which he completed 7 of 9 passes for 132 yards in a performance that opened some eyes to the lowest ranked signee of Hugh Freeze's first class (per 247sports). Freeze talked about Brown after the bowl game, saying "The guy threw 42 touchdowns, one pick his senior year in high school. There’s something to that."

Hugh Freeze announced Brown as the backup on Monday August 19th, 12 days before the team's opener against Alabama A&M, which kicks off at 6:30 CT in Jordan Hare Stadium.