It wasn’t long ago that Robby Ashford was considered almost something of an afterthought in the Auburn quarterback competition.

That’s not the case anymore. Ashford was given an opportunity in the team’s 42-16 win over the Mercer Bears and made the most of it, completing 4-of-7 passes for 100 yards. He added 68 yards on the ground to finish the game as the second-leading rusher.

“That was all I could ask,” Ashford said of his opportunity. “…That they feel comfortable enough with me to put me in the game, I feel like, to have a coaching staff that trusts me and wants the best for me, I can’t thank them enough. They’ve done more for me than they know. I probably tell them thank you a lot, but I feel like I still don’t do it enough because they gave me my second chance. That’s all I could ask for.”

Harsin has indicated that Ashford will continue to see playing time, something that it’s reasonable to assume could evolve into a notable role depending on how the season shakes out.

Auburn will face San Jose State up next on Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. CT in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Crissy Froyd

Crissy covers SEC football news for Saturday Down South.