Rewinding everything Hugh Freeze said prior to Auburn’s second week of fall camp
Auburn football begins its second week of fall camp this weekend, gearing up for Year 2 of the Hugh Freeze era.
Before Week 2 of practice begins, Freeze plans to address the media and provide updates on the team’s progress through one week of practice.
Freeze’s press conference is set to begin at 9 a.m., and live updates will be provided here.
- Freeze starts the press conference saying he’s pleased with the sharpness from the team in Week 1
- Freeze says they’ve had good back and forth between offense and defense but has seen some inconsistency on special teams
- Freeze says things have been a little “chippy and unprotective” on a couple days. Says he’s trying to find the balance between physical practices and keeping players healthy
- Freeze says Bradyn Joiner has pleasantly surprised him on the on the offensive line when crediting the group’s depth
- Freeze says there haven’t been a lot of extra curriculars after plays, but physicality during plays has created risky situations
- Freeze says Thorne has had some “really good moments.” Says he has an understanding of his mind.
- Freeze says freshman quarterback Walker White has looked incredible in seven-on-seven drills
- Freeze says there hasn’t been much separation at defensive tackle. Credits DJ Durkin’s ability to use the players’ skillset to create negative plays
- Freeze says he expects Jeremiah Cobb to be the primary kick returner
- Freeze says it was “absolutely necessary” to bring in coordinators who bring energy when asked about the new coordinators
- When asked about redshirting players, Freeze said it has become very difficult to explain to someone that they’re not ready to play
- Freeze said it’s hard to say how ready the young receivers will be, but he’s excited for them based on what he has seen
- When asked if the team will scrimmage on Saturday, Freeze says he doesn’t know. Says that the team needs to tackle, but is worried about potential injuries
- When asked about recruiting, Freeze says Auburn’s culture is different, and families can often sense that when they come visit
- In terms of the run game, Freeze says they’ve installed their base runs, so now the emphasis on knowing which runs to go to based on the front
- Freeze says going from Year 1 to Year 2, the culture is better, the accountability is better, the chemistry is better, the effort is better and the roster is better
- Freeze says he’s pleased where Payton Thorne is right now. Says he’s very confident, especially with having the receivers he has
- Freeze says they believe they’ll be leaps and bounds better on their special teams coverage units
- Freeze says kicker Alex McPherson who has been out with a gastrointestinal illness is “getting better.” Says he’s gaining weight and “getting better every day.”
