On3's JD PicKell believes Robby Ashford will continue to play for Auburn football in 2023

PicKell thinks that Payton Thorne will be the starter, but Ashford is too talented to keep off the field entirely.

Lance Dawe | May 8, 2023

On3's JD PicKell believes Robby Ashford will continue to play for Auburn football in 2023 /

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Auburn Tigers

The Tigers quarterback room looks a little different after the spring transfer portal window has come and gone.

The addition of Payton Thorne (Michigan State transfer) and the departure of TJ Finley has shaken up the assumed depth chart heading into the 2023 offseason.

Hugh Freeze now has two quarterbacks he can work with, and barring injury Thorne should be a massive boost for the Tigers' offense.

However, the Tigers still have their primary 2022 starter on roster: Robby Ashford. A dynamic playmaker who was wildly inconsistent during his first season on the Plains.

On3's JD PicKell recently discussed his thoughts on Robby Ashford's role on Auburn football's 2023 team despite believing that Thorne will end up being the starter.

"When he runs the football, when he tucks it off that zone read? He is one of the most dynamic players on the field,” PicKell said. “There are very few players on your roster that can do what Robby Ashford does with the football in his hands.”

The Tigers relied on Ashford's mobility heavily last season due to their dreadful offensive line. Ashford ended up rushing for 710 yards and seven scores while completing 49% of his passes for 1,613 yards.

PicKell went on to praise Payton Thorne's processing and decision making, but continued to harp on the fact that there are few players that can move like Ashford can.

"...if you want a dynamic runner of the football, you want somebody that can take it 70 on third and two? That could be Robby Ashford for you," PicKell said. "He’s a special talent in that way. There are not many guys who can do what he does when he tucks it and runs.”

It's evident at this point that Thorne will be the Tigers' starting quarterback. PicKell agrees. But Ashford will get involved.

“He’s gonna have to be involved in some way, shape, or form going forward,” said PicKell. “Like he has to have some sort of package in short yardage, or a change of pace package, or when it comes to goal line. You’ve got to have Robby Ashford somehow factored in because of what he does running the football for you.”

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