Hugh Freeze talks up new Auburn QB Payton Thorne, compares him to former Ole Miss QB
Published:
Hugh Freeze is extremely excited about the addition of transfer quarterback Payton Thorne.
In a radio interview on Wednesday morning, Freeze called out some of the traits that Auburn was pursuing when it went after Thorne in the portal. He also compared Thorne to former Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace.
“I loved his maturity. I think he brings a level of leadership to that room that is needed,” Freeze said on McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning. “I kind of relate him to when I got to Ole Miss the first time and we signed Bo Wallace. He wasn’t just the most flashiest, but boy he could run the RPOs and make good decisions and run it when he needed to a little bit.
Freeze also said he remains excited about Robby Ashford and Holden Geriner. He indicated Auburn would have a 3-man quarterback competition this offseason.
Thorne joins Auburn after starting for Michigan State for the past 2 seasons. Thorne had a better 2021 than he did in 2022. The Spartans offense sputtered as a whole last season as they struggled to replace Kenneth Walker in the back field.
Auburn will be hoping Thorne can re-capture his 2021 form this upcoming season. That year, he threw for 3,232 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also averaged 8.7 yards per attempt.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
