Hugh Freeze updates QB competition as preseason camp continues

Several position groups remain undecided as fall camp continues at Auburn, including at quarterback.

Incumbent starter Payton Thorne is expected to resume the role as QB1 this season, but who is behind him? Many Auburn fans and college experts are curious about who would step up in the unfortunate event of an injury to Thorne or possible struggles. Head coach Hugh Freeze says that he is close to establishing the pecking order.

“Yeah, I haven’t told the quarterbacks yet, so I won’t say, but I kind of know in my mind where we’re headed next week, but I’d rather tell them before I say it,” Freeze said during his media availability on Friday.

Freeze followed by saying that he, offensive coordinator Derrick Nix, and quarterbacks coach Kent Austin are on the same page when it comes to Hank Brown, Holden Geriner, and Walker White and their position within the depth chart.

As for Thorne, Freeze says that he continues to develop and mold into a quarterback that fits into the current system.

“From spring until now, his understanding of what the expectations are for him have grown leaps and bounds,” Freeze said. “He does some things out there that I’m really proud of. That doesn’t mean he always executes it exactly right, but he’s thinking the right way.”

Each quarterback provides a solid case for QB2. Geriner is the veteran of the group and holds more experience, Brown had a strong showing in last season’s Music City Bowl, and the true freshman White has the tools to be one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. Who will win the race for second place?

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