Auburn tried to go after some quarterbacks during the December portal window a year ago. After not being able to get anything done, the Tigers went through Spring before adding their starting quarterback over the summer - Payton Thorne.
That can't happen again.
I fully expect Hugh Freeze and this coaching staff to do what is needed to land a quarterback in the December window to compete with Thorne if they're going to go after a passer. I believe part of the early season struggles on offense had to do with Thorne missing spring - both from a scheme standpoint but also from a timing aspect with his teammates.
It was a tough ask. Freeze shouldn't have to make that ask in 2024.
Auburn's quarterbacks in 2024
In theory, Auburn could return the entire quarterback room next season though I'm guessing it will look pretty different.
Current Auburn quarterbacks on the roster:
Payton Thorne
Robby Ashford
Holden Geriner
Hank Brown
Walker White (Expected to sign on Early Signing Day)
Throne may wait to see if Auburn will add someone in via the portal before making his decision. He also seems like the kind of player who would not shy away from competition.
It would make sense for Holden Geriner to look for starting reps elsewhere even though his presence at Auburn is valuable for depth and effectiveness during practice.
Robby Ashford doesn't seem happy with his role. Ashford can transfer without penalty once he graduates. That will be sometime this offseason. My current guess is that Ashford is not on Auburn's roster next season.
Hank Brown will be a redshirt sophomore in 2024 and could be a part of the two-deep depending on how this position room unfolds this offseason. Freeze likes Brown's game and in some talks with some players, Brown has impressed some of the older guys when he ran the scout team this season.
Walker White will join the quarterback room from the high school ranks. After dominating Arkansas high school football, there's a ton of anticipation and excitement for White to see the field.
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