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rollingstone.com Trump Target Letter Over Jan. 6 Mentions Conspiracy, Tampering Jana Winter 3–4 minutes Skip to main content Special Counsel’s Jan. 6 Target Letter to Trump Mentions Conspiracy, Tampering The letter does not mention statutes relating to insurrection or sedition, a source tells Rolling Stone A guy who sure seems to be on the cusp of a third criminal indictment ED JONES/AFP via Getty Images The special counsel’s letter to Donald Trump related to Jan. 6 listed the federal statutes under which Trump is expected to be charged, including conspiracy, obstruction, and civil rights violations, according to a source with knowledge of the contents of the target letter. Special counsel Jack Smith sent the letter to Trump on Sunday, informing him he was a target of the Justice Department. Trump on Tuesday announced he’d been sent the letter via a post on the social media platform Truth Social. The letter mentions three federal statutes: Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States; deprivation of rights under color of law; and tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant. It does not offer further details, nor does it detail how the special counsel believes Trump may have violated the statutes, the source tells Rolling Stone. The letter does not mention statutes on sedition or insurrection, according to the source. Trump is the only person named in the letter, the source says. The source said the statutes listed likely refer to the prosecutor’s interest in charging Trump with obstructing the election certification process, including Trump efforts to pressure Mike Pence to stop the certification of President Biden’s 2020 victory. A spokesperson for the Special Counsel did not immediately return requests for comment. A Trump spokesperson also did not immediately return Rolling Stone’s request for comment. A spokesperson for the DOJ declined Rolling Stone’s request for comment. Target letters are often sent in the final stages of an investigation, often offering a defendant an opportunity to provide testimony or other information before an indictment. The target letter invited Trump to testify before the grand jury in Washington D.C., the source says. The special counsel’s office has already indicted Trump over taking sensitive federal documents to his Mar-a-Lago compound and story him there. That indictment came shortly after Trump was sent a target letter.

al.com Hugh Freeze hands off play calling duties to Philip Montgomery Updated: Jul. 18, 2023, 4:34 p.m.|Published: Jul. 18, 2023, 4:00 p.m. 3–4 minutes Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze speaks during NCAA college football Southeastern Conference Media Days, Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)AP At one-point, back years ago, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze would call himself one of the best play-callers in the country. And for a man known as an offensive coach and known for developing quarterbacks, it’s not hard to see why he’d think that. Yet now as he comes back into the SEC with the task of now, in his own words, “resuscitating” Auburn and its struggling offense, Freeze doesn’t think he’s quite the play caller he used to be. “I haven’t felt like I was quite on my game, but I could still manage a game and figure out a way to win,” Freeze said. So, Freeze will join what seems to be a growing trend among SEC head coaches who have spoken in Nashville through Tuesday: assigning play calling duties to coordinators. In a meeting with local media, Freeze said former Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery was hired for the main reason of calling plays. With Montgomery’s hire, Freeze seemed to reflect on his time calling plays at Liberty. He said his team “lost some we shouldn’t have lost,” and he put those losses on himself. That was a key part of the thinking that prompted Freeze’s change. Giving away play-calling duties comes coupled with the role Freeze sees for himself in trying to lead Auburn back to national prominence which he described as “all-encompassing.” Giving Montgomery the main play-calling role is one less thing Freeze has on his plate. Montgomery’s job, too, will be even down to the basics of terminology on offense. Freeze didn’t always believe he’d be coming back to the SEC, and at times, he said he’s talked scheme with other coaches in the conference -- implying those at Alabama and Georgia. Except he is back now, and not making a change would mean Auburn’s biggest rivals would already have a head start in scouting. “Someone whose terminology is as simple as mine, I do think I need a new terminology because there are too many people in this league that I went and talked ball with and probably told too much to, particularly up the road from us on both sides,” Freeze said in the main media room. Though it’s not as if Freeze will have his hands off. Montgomery will call the plays, but this is Freeze’s system. Freeze said he will be one of the multiple people involved in creating game plans each week. And frankly, Freeze said he could take over the main play calling duties in the middle of a game if he felt the need -- or even the desire. “I certainly reserve the right to jump in at any time and say, ‘I’ve got a good feeling right now, let me help a little bit,’” Freeze said. “There’s also gonna be suggestions from a lot of other people, including me. And he knows that. But he’s challenged with calling them.” If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

al.com Auburn’s Hugh Freeze ‘hopes’ coaching compliment was from Alabama’s Nick Saban Updated: Jul. 18, 2023, 2:47 p.m.|Published: Jul. 18, 2023, 1:43 p.m. ~2 minutes Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze speaks during NCAA college football Southeastern Conference Media Days, Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)AP Hugh Freeze was informed Tuesday, while at SEC media days, there are coaches who believe he is the best when it comes to second-half adjustments. The Auburn coach hopes one of those coaches is Alabama’s Nick Saban. AL.com’s Joe Goodman asked Freeze how he tackles the task of preparing for the second half against opponents. Prior to that, Goodman said he has been told by coaches that Freeze reigns supreme when it comes to preparing for the second half of games at halftime. RELATED: Freeze says should have 3 wins vs. Nick Saban: ‘I respect the King,’ but ‘I want to beat him’ “Well, what coach said that?” Freeze asked. “Was it coach Saban? That would be nice coming from him.” Freeze always seems to have a connection with the Alabama coach. The former Ole Miss coach is one of only three coaches to beat Nick Saban more than once. The other two coaches are former Auburn coach Gus Malzahn and former LSU coach Les Miles. RELATED: Freeze talks about the schools ‘up the road from us on both sides’ Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

al.com Hugh Freeze unable to say if Jarquez Hunter will be available for fall camp Updated: Jul. 18, 2023, 3:43 p.m.|Published: Jul. 18, 2023, 1:02 p.m. 1–2 minutes Jarquez Hunter takes it 94 yards for the longest rushing touchdown in Auburn history In a press conference with local reporters at SEC Media Days, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze was not able to say if running back Jarquez Hunter will be available for fall camp in August. “I can’t comment on University policies or procedures,” Freeze said when asked about Hunter. Freeze also said he can’t comment when asked if any players will be suspended. During the offseason, a sex tape was leaked on social media that is rumored to show Hunter. Auburn announced suspensions and that it is conducting an investigation but the statement did not include the number of players involved. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

al.com What about Robby Ashford? Auburn’s Hugh Freeze weighs in on returning QB’s role Published: Jul. 18, 2023, 4:45 p.m. ~3 minutes Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford is set to battle Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne for the starting job this fall. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)AP It’s no secret. Auburn will be home of, what sounds like, an intense quarterback battle this fall. We knew that would be the case when first-year head coach Hugh Freeze dipped into the transfer portal and plucked junior quarterback Payton Thorne from Michigan State. When Thorne’s transfer was announced in December, Auburn’s returning quarterback, Robby Ashford, took to Twitter. “Let’s work. Iron sharpens iron!!,” Ashford tweeted. When Freeze arrived at SEC Media Days in Nashville on Tuesday, it didn’t come as a surprise when the first question he fielded was in regards to the quarterback situation on The Plains. Local media wanted to know what Freeze had seen out of Thorne. To which Freeze said he hadn’t seen Thorne throw yet, but that he was impressed by the transfer’s leadership. But what about Ashford — the in-state kid who first went to Oregon before transferring to Auburn and being named the starting quarterback by the opening of SEC play last fall. In 2022, Ashford passed for more than 1,600 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. He added 710 yards on the ground with seven more scores. And it’s Ashford’s multi-dimensional skillset that’s bound to have him seeing the field again this season, regardless of who wins the starting gig. “We’ve challenged Robby since I’ve been here to elevate what comes with being the quarterback at Auburn. And I think he’s responding, mostly positive with that,” Freeze said. The Tigers currently have seven quarterbacks listed on their roster, including true freshman Hank Brown, who received high praise from Freeze Tuesday. However, Freeze hopes to narrow the battle down to two quarterbacks within the first 10 days of fall camp. “On great teams, you’re never going to be the only guy that should be competing,” Freeze said. “Hopefully, (Ashford) handles it well because I do think Robby Ashford helps us win football games.” If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

al.com Goodman: Why is Hugh Freeze worth the risk? Updated: Jul. 18, 2023, 4:29 p.m.|Published: Jul. 18, 2023, 4:21 p.m. 5–6 minutes Hugh Freeze, Auburn Man, was back at SEC Media Days on Tuesday for the first time in six years. The last time he participated in the league’s big kickoff celebration of college football something uncomfortable was dogging him like a burn on the roof of his mouth. Tonguing that thing always makes it worse, but it’s so hard to stop. There is a curious history of unexpected cringe-inducing moments involving coaches at SEC Media Days. An intoxicating mix of SEC sideshow shenanigans, Paul Finebaum and cosplaying Alabama fans are what made this thing popular, and I hope that no one ever forgets that grassroots weirdness. This year’s four-day event in Nashville is like a glow up for the league. It’s so corporate now. It’s so … professional. No matter where the SEC is headed, though, the SEC lifers among us will always look back with fondness at those days in Hoover and Birmingham. They were so … what’s the best way to put this … they were so Hugh Freeze at Ole Miss. GOODMAN: Has Brian Kelly already surpassed Nick Saban? RELATED: Freeze notes Alabama ‘gold standard,’ welcomes challenge RELATED: Auburn football players already talking about the Iron Bowl RELATED: Rewinding what Auburn’s Hugh Freeze said at SEC Media Days Freeze is the new head coach at Auburn and he’s a major upgrade from the previous guy. Freeze has his baggage, though. In 2017, he was the coach of the Rebels and he was sued by former Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt on the eve of Freeze’s turn in front of the cameras. It was awkward, of course. Freeze handled it the best that he could. “I keep waiting for the Media Day where I come here and we can just talk about our players,” Freeze said to reporters. “For whatever reason, the journey we’ve been on — obviously, some our fault — has continued for a long time. This’ll be my sixth Media Day, if my memory’s right. Be the fifth time we’re talking about something other than our team.” Freeze didn’t see another SEC Media Days with Ole Miss. In fact, he only lasted at Ole Miss for another week. Freeze was forced to resign in disgrace after the civil complaint filed against him brought to light a history of phone calls to escort services. The SEC might be changing, but it’s bringing along Freeze for another ride. I’m ready for it. There’s something poetic about Auburn’s unpolished hue. It tastes and feels and sounds like the old SEC, for good or ill — like grit between the teeth, like an Iron Bowl that suddenly matters, like a hard-written country song by the Hillbilly Shakespeare himself. Hank Williams, Sr., moved to Nashville and became a star, but it was Alabama that formed his tragic genius. I would not be shocked if Freeze and Auburn upset Nick Saban and Alabama in November. Freeze is that good of a coach. Is the league ready for a renaissance on The Plains? I know that I am. The Ballad of Hugh Freeze begins this way: At least it’s not Bryan Harsin. The hook of that song goes like this. Why is this guy Hugh Freeze worth the risk? Answer: Freeze gives Auburn a legitimate chance to beat its rivals and win a national championship. It’s that simple, and it doesn’t matter what teams join the SEC in 2024 or how future schedules stack up against the Tigers. The new ways of the SEC favor an old coach keen on redemption. Auburn is a mystery like no other going into the 2023 season. Harsin never saw a lead he couldn’t find a way to squander. I don’t know what to expect from Auburn this fall, but coaches tell me that no one in college football makes better second-half adjustments than Freeze. That’s something worth remembering. I asked Freeze about it on Tuesday and he laughed. “Well, what coach said that?” Freeze asked. “Was it Coach Saban? That would be nice if it came from him. “I do think we’ve been very good at that through the years. We typically have been able to come out and have good adjustments. Truthfully, I always hold a few things until the second half. I don’t know if that’s wise… but I’ve instructed our staff, let’s kind of hold onto that until the second half.” Freeze is a complicated country song and a window into the real SEC. That sounds like Auburn to me. His seventh SEC Media Days was not unlike the sixth. I asked him if running back Jarquez Hunter would be available to participate in the beginning of fall camp. “Yeah, I’m not allowed to comment on university’s policies or procedures at this point,” he said. Maybe next time he’ll get that chance to talk about his players. Joseph Goodman is the lead sports columnist for the Alabama Media Group, and author of “We Want Bama”, a book about togetherness, hope and rum. You can find him on Twitter @JoeGoodmanJr. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

al.com ‘We’re going to ride this bus together’: Hugh Freeze feels aligned with Auburn’s new administration Published: Jul. 18, 2023, 5:30 p.m. ~3 minutes Hugh Freeze talks challenges of rebuilding a program, Auburn culture at SEC Media Days 2023 Auburn’s first-year head coach Hugh Freeze says he’s heard through the grapevine that some believe alignment is lacking on The Plains. It’s not a wild assumption to make considering all the changes at Auburn. On Feb. 4, 2022, Chris Roberts was named the 21st president of Auburn University. Eight months later, on Oct. 29, it was announced that John Cohen would be the Tigers’ athletics director after serving the same role at Mississippi State. Thirty days after Cohen was hired, Freeze was named Auburn’s head coach, replacing Bryan Harsin, who was fired midway through the 2022 season. When Freeze first arrived on The Plains, he admits the Auburn football program wasn’t in the best shape. Upon his arrival, Freeze was a bit shocked how hard it was to recruit at Auburn. “I don’t want to be negative. Just, it was off from what I believe an Auburn roster should look like,” Freeze said. “Recruiting has been a little more challenging than I thought for Auburn, because of what I believe Auburn should be and what it’s proven it can be.” Since his arrival, Freeze has hit the transfer portal hard, adding more than 20 players to Auburn’s roster — many of whom might see starting roles. On the recruiting trail, an area Freeze recognizes to be of the utmost important as he rebuilds Auburn, he and the Tigers just received their sixth pledge from a 4-star prospect in the 2024 cycle with the commitment of cornerback Jalyn Crawford. “I do think that the ‘24 and ‘25 recruiting cycle will tell a large portion of the story of my tenure here,” Freeze said. Before that story can even unfold, however, Freeze wants to put a sock in the mouths of those who question the alignment of the Tigers’ football program with the rest of the university. “We have a brand-new president, and that president has a brand-new athletic director, and that athletic director and that president chose a new football coach,” Freeze said. “And we are as aligned as we could ever be... And we’re going to ride this bus together.” If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

that is his pet name for harsin...........

espn.com.sg SEC football media days - Five questions for the 2023 season - ESPN Chris Low, Alex Scarborough 8–10 minutes The SEC enters media days with its talk of realignment and new schedules already in the past. Oklahoma and Texas will join the conference next season to much fanfare and a new era will begin in college football. So what will the coaches and players talk about during media days? The on-field action, of course. Alabama's new look offense under former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Brian Kelly's second year at LSU and the staggering number of transfer quarterbacks in the conference will be the talk of the week in Nashville, Tennessee. Ahead of all the podium prognostications, bold predictions and sound bites, our writers address the five biggest questions and topics of SEC media days. 1. How does Georgia answer off-field questions? Alex Scarborough: On the field, the questions are obvious: Who will replace Stetson Bennett at quarterback? How does the offense change without Todd Monken as coordinator? And what about a defense that will now be without stalwarts Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo? Georgia's schedule might be easy, but the path to repeating as national champions for a third consecutive season is no piece of cake. Coach Kirby Smart may spend most of his time in Nashville addressing what's happened off the field, though, because the speeding-related incidents committed by his players have piled up. Earlier this month, freshman outside linebacker Samuel M'Pemba was clocked going 88 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone -- about an hour before Georgia receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint appeared in an Athens courtroom and pleaded guilty to driving 90 mph in a 45 mph zone on May 23. ESPN reported in June that Georgia football players and their cars have been involved in at least 10 reports of traffic-related moving violations in Athens-Clarke County since Jan. 15, when Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in a reckless driving incident in which police alleged former defensive lineman Jalen Carter was racing them hours after a national championship celebration. 2. How will Alabama navigate change on offense? Scarborough: It became abundantly clear during the course of last season that something had to change on offense for Alabama. The scheme employed by coordinator Bill O'Brien was too reliant on quarterback Bryce Young; the running game lacked an inside presence; and the receivers who watched DeVonta Smith and Jameson Williams blossom into stars didn't develop into dependable playmakers. With Young and O'Brien off to the NFL, Nick Saban was given a clean slate. He brought in a more pro-style coordinator in former Notre Dame OC Tommy Rees and opened up the quarterback competition, welcoming in former Fighting Irish QB Tyler Buchner to go with returning players Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson. With a good group of young running backs, don't be surprised if Alabama becomes more run-heavy this season, relying less on what will still be an unproven receiver corps and taking some of the burden off whoever the starting QB will be. 3. How will LSU fare in Year 2 under Brian Kelly? Chris Low: When are expectations not lofty at LSU, especially when you bring in a coach the caliber of Brian Kelly and are coming off a national championship four years earlier? The Tigers surprised a lot of people a year ago in winning the SEC's Western Division and knocking off Alabama in Kelly's first season in Baton Rouge. Taking that next step will prove even more difficult, but LSU has the pieces in place to make another run in the West and get back to the SEC championship game. It starts with quarterback Jayden Daniels, who blossomed last season in LSU's offense. Having a multifaceted quarterback with experience helps solve a ton of problems, especially when your entire offensive line is back. Tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones started as freshmen last season, and Kelly believes that unit has a chance to be special. And on defense, linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. returns after establishing himself as one of the SEC's top big-play defenders as a freshman, and moreover, defensive tackle Maason Smith's return from injury is another reason to like LSU's defense. This isn't Kelly's first rodeo. He understands the expectations and understands that LSU will be circled on a lot of teams' schedules this season. But it's also an LSU team that improved as the season progressed a year ago, and there's no reason to believe that Kelly, given his pedigree, won't get even more out of this team in 2023. 4. Can Bobby Petrino save Jimbo Fisher from the hot seat? Low: The Petrino-Fisher pairing raised a lot of eyebrows around the college football world when Fisher hired Petrino in January to come in and be Texas A&M's offensive coordinator. Fisher and Petrino are both known for their volatility, and it's reasonable to wonder how they will mesh in what's clearly an important season for the entire Texas A&M program. Fisher knew he needed to shake things up on offense, step away from being the primary playcaller and bring in somebody who had done it at a high level. Petrino is a polarizing -- going back to his firing at Arkansas -- but there's no denying he's long been one of the best playcallers in football. Fisher is always going to be involved in the offense, and he will be with Petrino as they put the plan together each week. But Petrino wouldn't have taken the job at Texas A&M if it weren't going to be his show. Ultimately, the proof will be in how the Aggies' offense fares after finishing 101st nationally in scoring last season (22.8 points per game). Petrino has some promising talent to work with, including receivers Ainias Smith and Evan Stewart, and a more experienced offensive line hell-bent on playing up to its talent level. Center Bryce Foster is the enforcer in the middle of that line and has a chance to be a star. One of the things Petrino has done best during his career is develop quarterbacks, and sophomore Conner Weigman has the arm strength and skills to be one of the country's breakout quarterbacks this season under Petrino's tutelage. The Aggies clearly have to be able to throw it better after finishing next to last in the SEC in passing efficiency last season. No doubt, the Fisher-Petrino questions will persist until we get into the season, but look for the Aggies to awaken on offense. 5. Which transfer QBs will have the biggest impact? Scarborough: SEC coaches weren't bashful about dipping into the transfer portal for help at quarterback this offseason. There could be as many as five starting QBs in the league this season who were playing in another conference last year. We already covered Alabama adding Buchner to the mix. But right down the road in Auburn, first-year coach Hugh Freeze nabbed former Michigan State starter Payton Thorne to compete with last year's starter, Robby Ashford. And at Ole Miss, coach Lane Kiffin surprised many by lighting a fire under Jaxson Dart -- who threw for 2,900 yards last season after transferring from USC -- by adding not one but two QBs via the portal: former Oklahoma State starter and All-Big 12 selection Spencer Sanders and former five-star prospect Will Howard from LSU. In the East, Kentucky quickly replaced its former transfer QB Will Levis with another transfer in former NC State starter Devin Leary. And Missouri -- rather than sit tight with Brady Cook coming off an injury that caused him to miss all of spring practice -- brought in Jake Garcia from Miami.

auburnwire.usatoday.com Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 20 Cayden Bridges JD McCarthy 5–6 minutes Going into the 2023 football season, Auburn Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Tigers’ roster. Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Hugh Freeze in his first season on the Plains. Buy Tigers Tickets Up next is safety Cayden Bridges. The sophomore appeared in every game last season and is looking to take a step forward. Preseason Player Profile Hometown: Magee, Mississippi Height: 6-2 Weight: 221 Class in 2023: Sophomore 247Sports Composite Ranking Three-Star / No. 32 in Mississippi / No. 151 S Career Stats Year G Tackles TFLs INTs PDs FRs 2021 3 0 0 0 0 0 2022 12 19 0 0 1 1 PFF Grades Year Defense Tackling Run Defense Pass Rush Coverage 2022 63.9 63.1 63.3 59.5 63.4 Depth Chart Overview Bridges is looking to create a bigger role for himself after appearing in every game last season. That experience could be the separator between him and the rest of Auburn’s young safeties who have plenty of talent but lack those key reps. He and Zion Puckett are likely the second-team safeties behind the duo of Jaylin Simpson and Zion Puckett. Cayden Bridges’ Photo Gallery Mercer Auburn Football Auburn's Cayden Bridges (20) defends during the first half of an NCAA football game against Mercer… Auburn's Cayden Bridges (20) defends during the first half of an NCAA football game against Mercer on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) NCAA Football: Texas A&M at Auburn Nov 12, 2022; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Jalen Preston (5) makes a… Nov 12, 2022; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Jalen Preston (5) makes a touchdown despite Auburn Tigers safety Cayden Bridges (20) efforts during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports Syndication: The Montgomery Advertiser Auburn Tigers safety Cayden Bridges (20) falls on a fumble in the end zone to end… Auburn Tigers safety Cayden Bridges (20) falls on a fumble in the end zone to end the game in overtime as Auburn Tigers take on Missouri Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Auburn Tigers defeated Missouri Tigers 17-14. APTOPIX Missouri Auburn Football Auburn safety Cayden Bridges (20) recovers a fumble in the end zone to secure the win… Auburn safety Cayden Bridges (20) recovers a fumble in the end zone to secure the win as Missouri offensive lineman Connor Tollison (55) reaches for the ball during overtime in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 in Auburn, Ala. Auburn won in overtime, 17-14. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) Cayden Bridges Auburn safety Cayden Bridges recovers a fumble in the end zone to secure the win over… Auburn safety Cayden Bridges recovers a fumble in the end zone to secure the win over Missouri during the first overtime of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) Missouri Auburn Football Auburn safety Cayden Bridges recovers a fumble in the end zone to secure the win over… Auburn safety Cayden Bridges recovers a fumble in the end zone to secure the win over Missouri during the first overtime of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) AUBURN, AL - 2023.03.27 - Spring Practice AUBURN, AL - March 27, 2023 - Auburn Defensive Back Cayden Bridges (#20) during spring practice… AUBURN, AL - March 27, 2023 - Auburn Defensive Back Cayden Bridges (#20) during spring practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman AUBURN, AL - 2023.03.01 - Spring Practice AUBURN, AL - March 01, 2023 - Auburn Defensive Back Cayden Bridges (#20) during spring practice… AUBURN, AL - March 01, 2023 - Auburn Defensive Back Cayden Bridges (#20) during spring practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Declan Greene NCAA Football: Auburn Spring Game Apr 9, 2022; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers safety Cayden Bridges (20) drops back to cover… Apr 9, 2022; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers safety Cayden Bridges (20) drops back to cover during the Spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports FTBL: FOOTBALL Sep 3, 2022; Auburn, Al, USA; D.J. James (4) and Cayden Bridges (20) team up for… Sep 3, 2022; Auburn, Al, USA; D.J. James (4) and Cayden Bridges (20) team up for the tackle during the game between Auburn and LSU at Jordan-Hare Stadium Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

al.com SEC Media Days: What to expect from Hugh Freeze and Auburn’s trip to the podium Published: Jul. 17, 2023, 2:56 p.m. 5–7 minutes Unlike in years past, when Auburn football head coaches and their player representatives made the two-hour jog to Birmingham for SEC Media Days, Hugh Freeze and the Tigers’ player representatives are set to arrive at Music City Tuesday for their turn with media members at Nashville’s Grand Hyatt. Alongside Freeze will be three Auburn veterans in tight end Luke Deal, Jack linebacker Elijah McAllister and offensive lineman Kam Stutts. Here’s an early look at what might be thrown at Freeze and his entourage and what we might learn in return. Hugh Freeze When head coaches take the podium at SEC Media Days, they generally start with an opening statement. What that opening statement looks like in terms of length is up to them and whoever helps them prepare it. Last year, Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea had the longest opening statement in league, coming in at 2,340 words. Meanwhile, the late Mike Leach, who was at the helm of Mississippi State, said all of seven words ahead of fielding questions. When Auburn’s Hugh Freeze takes center stage of the media room Tuesday afternoon, don’t be shocked if he takes an approach closer to Lea’s. Why? The longer Freeze speaks, the fewer questions he’ll have to take. And that’s not to say Freeze doesn’t want to take questions about what’s ahead for Auburn football, surely he does. But one of the main narratives likely to run through this year’s SEC Media Days with Freeze’s return to the league is the controversies of his past. It’s likely Freeze also gets asked about running back Jarquez Hunter’s availability. In May, news surfaced that Hunter might be suspended after a sex tape, allegedly involving Hunter, surfaced on social media. When all is said and done, don’t expect to have learned anything earth-shattering from Freeze this week. Instead, be prepared to hear about the rebuild he and his staff have on The Plains and how Rome wasn’t built in a day. Luke Deal Auburn senior tight end Luke Deal comes to Nashville as the lone offensive skill player representing the Tigers, which means he’s likely going to be the one to field a bunch of questions regarding the Robby Ashford-Payton Thorne quarterback battle. Considering Thorne announced his transfer to Auburn in May, the former Michigan State starter hasn’t gone through a full camp at Auburn and won’t until fall camp starts later this month. That being said, the quarterback battle at Auburn is likely just that – a battle. Deal will probably tell the media that both Ashford and Thorne are working hard and getting ready for a competitive fall. Aside from quarterback questions, expect Deal to be asked what the marriage of Freeze’s offensive mind and offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery looks like. Again, considering we have no idea who will start between Ashford and Thorne – two guys with very different skillsets – it’s probably still unclear exactly what offensive scheme Auburn will attack with in the fall. However, if anyone will be asked to provide insight, it’s likely to be Deal. Some low-hanging fruit Deal might address is what he’s seen out of transfer tight end Rivaldo Fairweather and how the Auburn offensive line, which brought in five transfers, is coming together. Elijah McAllister Bringing Jack linebacker Elijah McAllister to Nashville was an interesting choice for the Tigers considering the grad transfer from Vanderbilt has yet to play a down in an Auburn uniform. Maybe he just really missed the sights (and smells) of Broadway. But that’s unlikely. Instead, it’s likely McAllister got the nod because he’s a seasoned guy who is bound to take on a leadership role among the defense this fall. Like its offensive counterpart, the Auburn defense is poised to look very different in 2023. Not only in terms of personnel, but scheme, too. With former Baylor defensive coordinator Ron Roberts taking on the same role at Auburn, the Tigers won’t use your typical edge rusher. Instead, Roberts and Auburn are set to unveil a different defensive approach, which features a ‘Jack linebacker’. While we have an idea, which is that the Jack linebacker is a multi-dimensional position that’ll be asked to get after the quarterback and drop back in coverage, McAllister will be the one to address what exactly that looks like. In addition to that McAllister will be asked about Auburn’s additions on the defense and perhaps his thoughts on true freshman Jack linebacker Keldric Faulk, who was the gem of Auburn’s most recent recruiting class. Kam Stutts Auburn senior offensive lineman Kam Stutts joins Deal as another offensive player representing the Tigers at Media Days this year. Stutts is likely to field a lot of the same questions as Deal. What’s the quarterback situation look like? How does a Freeze-Montgomery offense run? But more than anything, expect Stutts to be asked a lot about how the Tigers’ offensive line is coming along. Again, considering the struggles the offensive line had last fall and many new faces it added in the offseason, the offensive front is going to be a hot topic. Another area Stutts will be able to offer insight into is the general culture of Auburn football under Freeze. Considering Stutts arrived at Auburn as a freshman in 2019, he’s now on his third head coach in four seasons. What about this situation feels different? If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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auburntigers.com On The Plains with Tyler Fromm: ‘Auburn will always be with me’ Auburn University Athletics 8–10 minutes AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn tight end Tyler Fromm is on firm footing as the veteran looks forward to the 2023 Tigers’ campaign. With 11 catches for 144 yards and a score over the last two seasons, he has become a dependable and productive weapon in the Auburn offense and on the Tigers’ kickoff return, punt return and punt units, grounding those squads with his experience. His career and educational aspirations, however, are steadily taking flight. “My major is professional flight management, and I plan on finishing that up this summer,” Fromm said. Former Auburn teammates Nick Brahms and Anders Carlson sparked his interest in this highly competitive career path. “I got interested in an aviation major through Anders and Nick. Nobody in my family is a pilot – it’s something that interested me, and I decided to go that route here. Originally, I was going into chemical or electrical engineering, but I decided to give professional flight a try and it’s been great.” The fifth-year scholar, who has been a member of the SEC academic honor roll, the AD Honor Roll and earned academic all-district honors from the College Sports Communicators, has just one assignment remaining this summer before receiving his bachelor’s degree. “I just need the multi-engine course this summer,” Fromm said. “During 2020, there was a really big halt in flight training; for several months, everything was shut down. I was about to finish up getting my private license and was six months in, but once everything shut down in March, I was waiting to get scheduled to get a license. “Everything shut down after spring break so, once I hadn’t flown all summer, it was September or October before I got enough of a flight block to make up the time. There were fewer instructors and I had to redo a bunch of training flights and lessons because of the time off – that took until January. In all the classroom classes I was doing well, but the progress there got ahead of my flying time. Everything should be good this summer.” Fromm, who is pursuing minors in sport coaching, leadership and finance, plans on starting classes toward an MBA this fall, with the objective of eventually being in the skies. “There are definitely a lot of highs and lows in the training. Once I got my instrument rating, I just knew I was gaining competencies – I was way more comfortable with my knowledge of flying in general, not just flying the plane, but all the ins and outs of flying and in a broader sense, aviation in general,” the native of Warner Robins, Georgia, said. “There’s a lot of just grinding it out during the season; stage checks come up and you work hard to prepare for those. There’s a lot of persevering and managing time better and just getting through it. “It’s a lot like football, actually – with flying in general. Every time you go up for a training flight or just you and a buddy, there’s always a certain level of preparation, whether that’s preparing for what the destination is, what your course is going to be, the weather. For any flight, you have to prepare, whatever else is going on, but it makes you a better pilot. The training and coaching make the difference. As you go through the degree, the same professors are helping you and it’s all very close knit. “My end goal is getting a career flying as a pilot, either commercial or in cargo. I’ve talked to a lot of people and either one of those intrigues me. I would be happy doing either. If not, for some reason, any type of business situation interests me, as well as development projects.” Fromm’s development on the field has been memorable from his arrival in 2019. “Some of my biggest memories are a lot of games my freshman year because that was my first year of being here,” he said. “Playing and being here was a new environment, and that Iron Bowl freshman year was crazy to me (a 48-45 Auburn win at Jordan-Hare Stadium). “More recently, my biggest memory is the 2021 LSU play.” It was Fromm’s first career touchdown, a 24-yard reception from a scrambling Bo Nix to highlight a 24-19 victory – Auburn’s first win in Baton Rouge since 1999. “That was huge; Bo went crazy on that one, and it was my first college touchdown. “I didn’t play all that much my first two years, but the last two years have been a really good experience playing college football. It’s been a much broader experience and I’m excited for how the tight ends have become involved.” Fromm comes from a notable football family. “From rec little leagues all the way up through high school, I always had a brother as my quarterback. College was the first time I didn’t have one of them throwing to me, and college was definitely different starting out because of that.” Older brother Jake, now with the Washington Commanders, was a three-year starting quarterback at Georgia. He earned SEC freshman of the year honors in 2017, leading the Bulldogs to the national championship game, and played in three SEC title games (2017-19). “Because I’ve always been around Jake, I don’t see him as others might,” Tyler said. “He’s done some amazing things, but what I appreciate has been learning how he approaches the game, the little habits he‘s been able to create. He has really good practice habits and those help make me better. I’ve always appreciated what he’s done to help me be a better football player. “My twin brother Dylan played quarterback at Mercer and is now doing med school there, so he has shown me dedication and focus on goals. And going home over breaks to throw with them – you can’t beat it!” When it came time for Tyler to select a college home, the choice came easily. “I only visited here (Auburn), Florida and South Carolina – the top schools that I really liked,” he said. “I didn’t get offered by Georgia, so that took that conflict out of it. Of the three schools I visited, Auburn was closest to home, my family knew a lot of Auburn grads who talked highly of the school and have been very successful in life, and so the academic part was appealing, And obviously the football is something special.” Auburn is still special to Fromm as he nears the completion of his degree and his college football career. “I’m trying to make this my last fall, but I wouldn’t mind coming back for another year, more school and another football season,” Fromm says of the extra year or eligibility awarded student-athletes who competed during COVID-19. “Auburn was a great choice for me. The four years flew by very quickly and I really like the atmosphere this place has. The camaraderie I have with the guys – awesome teammates, awesome coaches along the way and even the city of Auburn in general. I love it. It’s a great place and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. “My time here – this is not a sales pitch, it’s a testimonial – Auburn is an amazing place. There are very few colleges like it and a lot of special moments have happened here. It’s a great place to play football and go to school. I’ve lived through it and been able to experience it, and Auburn will always be with me. “It’s not just a slogan – there’s much more there.”