Auburn’s football transfer portal is buzzing with interest in James Madison’s standout quarterback, Jordan McCloud. Jake Mitchell of Saturday Blitz draws parallels between McCloud and legendary dual-threat quarterbacks Cam Newton and Nick Marshall, emphasizing that while McCloud hasn’t reached their heights, he shares a comparable profile.
Mitchell notes that McCloud aligns well with Auburn’s preferred running style, showcasing his skills in 2023 with 92 rushes for 311 yards and 8 touchdowns. Impressively, McCloud’s passing performance boasted 3,413 yards, 32 touchdowns, a mere 9 interceptions, and an impressive passer rating of 167.4.
In his senior year at James Madison, McCloud, a former player at USF and Arizona, experienced a breakout season. The prospect of McCloud joining Auburn for the upcoming season excites Mitchell, envisioning the quarterback bringing a fresh dimension to Auburn’s offense. Mitchell believes McCloud’s success against formidable defenses could elevate Auburn’s game, especially under the leadership of coach Hugh Freeze.
Freeze’s Auburn program is in a transformative phase, seeking proven winners to rejuvenate the team after a challenging period under Bryan Harsin. Mitchell highlights the setbacks faced by many players on Freeze’s roster and the desire for established winners. McCloud, who led James Madison to an impressive 2023 season, is seen as a potential asset to instill a winning mentality within the team.
Freeze, actively reshaping the program’s culture through recruiting, sees the success of the 2024 class, particularly the acquisition of blue-chip receivers, as pivotal for Auburn’s future triumphs. Bringing in a player like McCloud, recognized for his leadership and success, is considered a significant stride toward achieving Auburn’s goals.
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