Hugh Freeze Expresses Confidence in Payton Thorne as Auburn’s Starting Quarterback.
Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze has shared his confidence in returning starter Payton Thorne.
After a mixed performance in the 2023 season, including a disappointing outing in the Music City Bowl, Freeze considered various options for the quarterback position.
Despite some speculation about bringing in a transfer quarterback, no such move was made during the transfer windows. By spring, Freeze had confirmed that Thorne would continue as the starting quarterback for the 2024 season.
Freeze’s confidence in Thorne is bolstered by changes in the coaching staff and a return to an offensive system with which Freeze is well-acquainted.
This familiarity, along with the increased talent that has joined the team during the offseason, has contributed to Freeze’s positive outlook on Thorne’s performance for the upcoming season.
“I’m really confident,” Freeze said, according to Auburn Undercover. “I believe in him, I believe in his leadership. I meet with him every single week right now.
He has a knowledge of the game that’s as good as I’ve been around for a quarterback. Now that we’ve gone back to some of the things I’m really familiar with, I think he’s going to be more comfortable.”
Freeze values Thorne’s experience and leadership, especially in a quarterback room that includes several promising young players.
Redshirt freshman Hank Brown displayed his skills in the Music City Bowl and has continued to impress during the spring and the A-Day game.
Additionally, incoming freshman Walker White is expected to have a bright future, although he is still in the early stages of his development.
“I thought Hank had a heck of a spring, for sure, as did Holden,” Freeze said. “Walker, I think, has a ceiling that’s really, really high. It’s just that he’s really young, and we’ve got to see him develop.”
Thorne has the opportunity to redeem himself this season and play a crucial role in mentoring Auburn’s future quarterbacks.
With Freeze’s strategic changes and the influx of new talent, the Auburn football team is poised for an improved performance in the 2024 season.
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