Hugh Freeze Gives His Thoughts Before Auburn's First Game Against Alabama AM

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze held his first game week press conference. Here are some of the points that need to be brought up for Tigers fans.

**With regards to quarterback Payton Thorne Freeze states, “I believe in him more now than I did back in January.” He is steadfast that Thorne will be the quarterback but also brings up another good point of conversation.

Freeze also admits that it’s now on Thorne to prove he can get the job done. With all the new talent now at Auburn like receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Sam Jackson IV, and Robert Lewis, as well as four top freshmen including Cam Coleman, Freeze is correct.

**Thorne’s backup would be Hank Brown. Freeze denotes, “He throws the deep ball really well.” The biggest area that Freeze believes Brown needs improvement would be reading defensive fronts and setting protections. With such an important area not yet being accomplished by Brown, it sounds like Thorne has a sizeable lead between himself his main competition.

**Moving to the opponent for a moment, do not discount Alabama A&M running back Donovan Eaglin, as he’s a player who has a shot to make an NFL roster. Auburn Daily will have a feature on Eaglin this week. For now, note that he’s a 227-pound wrecking ball that can get stronger as the game progresses. He’s the first player Freeze brought up during the press conference.

**An A&M defensive player to watch out for would be Jamarion Ellis. The edge rusher is one Freeze provides a glowing comment about.

“No. 7, he’s a twitchy pass rusher. We gotta pay attention to him.”

**Freeze also brings up the last scrimmage for Auburn and a bad sign that needs correcting immediately. He mentioned six missed MA’s, i.e, missed assignments relating to running the wrong route or not knowing the proper coverage to be in. He also notes that all six are from young players.

He did not name a player, but if anyone notices a freshman he or she thought would play versus A&M and does not, that might be why. Freeze is steadfast in his belief that those missed assignments cannot happen. It's hard to argue with that sentiment.

**Freeze openly admits he’s not a fan of depth charts. He even admits that he does not care which defensive tackle runs out onto the field to take the first snap for the defense, as the Tigers will rotate six interior defensive linemen.

This is certainly a much deeper defensive line group and defense overall. Same with the Auburn receivers and the offensive line. Freeze did mention the secondary would likely be the thinnest spot on the defensive side of the football.