TJ Finley talks starting job, call from Cam Newton, and Saturday’s game at South Carolina
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All eyes will now turn to TJ Finley for the Auburn football program.
The sophomore quarterback will be thrust into a starting role for the remainder of the season, replacing 3-year starter Bo Nix, who is sidelined after undergoing surgery for a broken ankle.
Finley met with the media on Wednesday ahead of Auburn’s game Saturday night at South Carolina and said he’s ready for the challenge.
“Well it’s always bad news when a starter goes down,” Finley said. “… The backup guys have to be prepared to play and I’ve been preparing like a starter since I got here.”
Auburn QB T.J. Finley: "Well it's always bad news when a starter goes down… The backup guys have to be prepared to play and I've been preparing like a starter since I got here."
— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) November 17, 2021
Finley also said that the change in his status hasn’t changed his long-term goal.
“My ultimate goal is to make it to the NFL, so whether I’m the backup or the starter, I have to be prepared to go in at any time,” he said.
T.J. Finley: "My ultimate goal is to make it to the NFL, so whether I'm the backup or the starter, I have to be prepared to go in at any time."
— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) November 17, 2021
As far as Saturday’s game with South Carolina is concerned, Finley led LSU to a win over the Gamecocks a year ago, accounting for nearly 300 total yards and 3 touchdowns in the victory.
He said the key for him this Saturday will be to put forth a consistent effort.
“The main thing I’m focusing on is consistency,” Finley said. “I don’t need to do anything special. I need to just go out there and do my job”
Auburn QB TJ Finley: “The main thing I’m focusing on is consistency. I don’t need to do anything special. I need to just go out there and do my job”
— Jordan D. Hill (@JordanDavisHill) November 17, 2021
Finley also said that be believes a a recent conversation with former Auburn star Cam Newton will help him play well Saturday and the rest of the season.
Auburn QB TJ Finley said Cam Newton called him a week before Newton got signed, "and we went through a devotional together."
"He's one of the most inspirational people in my life, and I've looked up to him since I was a little kid."
— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) November 17, 2021
Auburn’s game with South Carolina is set for 7 p.m. EST on Saturday night and will be televised by ESPN.
"Chris Wallace covers college football for Saturday Down South. He has covered college athletics for multiple newspapers and also worked previously for Rivals.com and GolfChannel.com."
