Auburn Football Head Coach Hugh Freeze at 2024 SEC Media Days
Today, Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze took the stage at the Omni Dallas for his second appearance at SEC Media Days, representing the Tigers. Freeze began by expressing his honor in representing the Auburn Family and acknowledging the significant impact fans have had on the program since his arrival.
Freeze conveyed increased confidence going into his second year, citing an improved roster and better chemistry among the coaching staff as key reasons.
Reporters then had the opportunity to ask questions, and here are some notable quotes from Freeze:
On the Five Consecutive Home Games to Start the Season:
“The five consecutive home games aren’t ideal for our fans, but it shows how great our fans are—they’ll still show up. Jordan-Hare is a tough place to play, and we need that environment. That five-game stretch is crucial for our season’s success, whether it’s the Oklahoma game, the Cal game, or the Arkansas game, each is vital, and this stretch will be very important for us.”
On His Focus This Season Compared to Last Season’s Recruiting Efforts:
“This season, my time will be divided between managing the roster and recruiting, as well as focusing on offensive football. I’ll spend a significant amount of time in the offensive room, making sure that Derrick Nix, Kent Austin, and I are all on the same page for critical decisions. It’s about 70% on the offensive side and 30% on recruiting and handling player issues.”
On Sophomore Center Connor Lew:
“Connor Lew is already a leader and a phenomenal football player and young man. I think he’s an NFL center, and we’re excited about him. He performed really well as a freshman last year.”
On Payton Thorne Returning as Starter:
“I believed we could surround him with the right pieces to help him reach his potential. I’ve seen his solid performance in another Power 5 conference, and I believe he has the confidence and the right tools now, like Dre Lambert-Smith and Rivaldo, to have a successful year. He knows he needs to produce, and we don’t shy away from that.”
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