Auburn football practice takeaways: Tigers begin fall camp

Here's what we learned from Thursday's opening practice.

Author:
Lance Dawe
Publish date:
Aug 3, 2023 11:45 AM EDT

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Auburn Tigers

Auburn football began fall camp for the 2023 season on Thursday morning.

Freeze opened the morning with a press conference addressing camp questions.

Here's what we learned from the Thursday practice.

Freeze is adamant that this is an actual quarterback battle

Payton Thorne at Auburn football practice — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Auburn begins camp with a three-man quarterback race between Robby Ashford, transfer Payton Thorne and Holden Geriner.

Thorne has been the projected starter ever since he committed to the Tigers earlier this year, but Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has been adamant that this is a legitimate competition that will be trimmed down in a week or so.

Still, Freeze has been impressed with how Thorne has acted off the field.

"It's impossible for you not to visit with Payton, because he demands it," Freeze said. "I feel very comfortable with who he is, and his preparation... I'm excited about the competition with him and Robby (Ashford) and Holden (Geriner)."

Auburn is healthier than expected

Holden Geriner and Brian Battie at Auburn football practice - Eric Starling/Auburn Daily — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Freeze noted at SEC Media Days that most of the roster was healthy with the exceptions of running back Brian Battie and wide receiver Jyaire Shorter.

When asked about injuries, Freeze said Battie is the only player who's still hurt.

"(Brian) Battie is limited but will practice after having a procedure on his foot," Freeze said. "I think that's it."

Offensive line making strides

Auburn offensive line at Auburn football practice - Eric Starling/Auburn Daily — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Auburn first team offensive line looked solid.

LT Dillon Wade (Tulsa transfer)

LG Tate Johnson

C Avery Jones (ECU transfer)

RG Kam Stutts

RT Gunner Britton (WKU transfer)

"I'm excited about our o-line, I think we've improved ourselves there," Freeze said. "I'm excited how we've closed the gap."

Auburn pass rush looking very different

Marcus Harris at Auburn football practice — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Elijah McAllister was first out there with the defensive line. Jalen McLeod and Keldric Faulk rotated in after. The position group looks solid, and with the transfer depth the Tigers now have, there's reason to believe they could be pretty good.

"That's a position that I'm really excited about the new guys," Freeze said "Elijah (McAllister) is an incredible human being... I think adding (Stephen) Sings and Jalen (McLeod) to that room gave us some pop. Something that we needed more of."