Hugh Freeze is reportedly selecting Transfer Portal quarterback Payton Thorne to start for Auburn in the opening week.
Hugh Freeze recognized he needed to get assistance at the quarterback position as soon as he was appointed head coach at Auburn. Following a couple near misses, Freeze signed Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne through the transfer portal; it appears that Thorne will start the 2023 season as a snap count.
AuburnLive reports that Freeze will conclude the quarterback battle soon by designating Payton Thorne as the starting quarterback. The Tigers were in dire need of someone who Freeze believed could manage his offensive after the previous year. Holden Geriner and Robby Ashford weren’t capable, mind you, but there was a reason Freeze was scouring the gateway so thoroughly.
With 6,493 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions in his East Lansing career, Payton Thorne is currently Auburn’s starting quarterback. According to others in the Auburn program, Thorne quickly became proficient in the intricate offensive system.
Now, in Hugh Freeze’s first season on the plains, the issue is whether coach can guide the Tigers to a winning season. To be honest, this isn’t a huge surprise because Auburn searched the portal for possible candidates for the role. Robby Ashford, who passed for 1,613 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions the previous season, is not being indicted by this.
By taking this action, Freeze has demonstrated that filling a void on the offense was more important than having expertise on the plains. Furthermore, Payton Thorne arrived in the early summer and did not take part in Auburn’s spring practice.
Thorne has put in many hours attempting to quickly pick up this scheme, according to Auburn offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery.
This is another man you have to get out of the building quickly. He studies at home constantly and watches tapes all the time. “Hey, what do I read on this, or what am I doing on that?” he will text me. I watched this on video; how are we doing with it? He desires to be well-versed in every aspect of our offense.
Auburn will have depth at the position in case something goes wrong, even with the decision to make Thorne the starter. Despite the fact that the win/loss column may not reflect it right now, Robby Ashford has experience playing in the SEC and understands what it takes to be competitive.
With Jarquez Hunter back with the squad, Payton Thorne will benefit from another component of the offense at running back. It will relieve some of Thorne’s pressure if he turns out to be among the SEC’s finest backs this season.
The Tigers play Georgia, Texas A&M, California, and Umass in September after opening the season against Umass.
