aubiefifty 18,259 Posted July 18, 2023 Share Posted July 18, 2023 si.com Brian Kelly shared his thoughts on the environment in Jordan-Hare Stadium Andrew Stefaniak 2–3 minutes Brian Kelly talked about the difficulty of playing in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Brian Kelly was asked at SEC Media Days about the difficulty of coaching in the SEC after his first season, and one of the things he said was the road environments. Kelly talked about how the environments at Auburn and Florida were some of the best he has ever coached in, which is a big compliment. This proves that the noise Auburn fans make in the stands truly affects the other team, as LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels also agreed playing in Jordan-Hare Stadium is challenging. All Auburn fans can agree that sitting in Jordan-Hare Stadium watching the Auburn Tigers go to war is one of the most exciting things possible, and the excitement is matched by lots of energy. The hire of Coach Hugh Freeze has led to a ton of excitement around the Auburn program leading to a record amount of season tickets sold. It's safe to the people will be rowdy on the Plains in 2023 as the Tigers look for a big bounce season. SEC Media Days is being hosted this year in Nashville, Tennessee for the very first time. Auburn Daily is here covering Media Days all week long. You can catch updates, quotes, predictions and more here on auburndaily.com. Daily Wire's Jake Crain predicts Auburn to finish third in SEC West The Tigers kick off the 2023 season on September 2nd at home vs UMass at 2 p.m. CT on ESPN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted July 18, 2023 Author Share Posted July 18, 2023 auburnwire.usatoday.com Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 21 Brian Battie JD McCarthy 9–11 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 transfer running back Brian Battie. He is set to give Auburn a dynamic rushing attack with Jarquez Hunter and should be a valuable weapon on kick returns. Preseason Player Profile Hometown: Sarasota, Florida Height: 5-7 Weight: 170 Previous School: USF Class in 2023: Junior 247Sports Composite Ranking Three-Star / No. 245 in Florida / No. 104 RB Career Stats Year G Carries Yards YPC TDs Receptions Yards 2020 (USF) 7 46 332 7.2 1 4 35 2021 (USF) 12 58 324 5.6 1 7 67 2022 (USF) 12 176 1,186 6.7 8 14 91 PFF Grades Year Offense Runs Passing Pass Blocking Kick Return 2020 80.9 82.5 66.3 71.8 67.6 2021 74.9 73.9 75.1 47.8 90.2 2022 87.5 91.6 51.4 54.1 69.9 Depth Chart Overview Battie brings some big-play ability to Auburn’s rushing attack and should see plenty of action behind Hunter. He averaged over 6.0 yards per carry last season for a bad USF team and should be even more dynamic behind Auburn’s improved offensive line and passing attack. While he is a proven playmaker, sophomore Damari Alston and freshmen Jeremiah Cobb are both talented enough to earn playing time and will push Battie for the RB2 job. He returned three kickoffs for touchdowns in 2021 en route to being named an All-American and should bring some explosive ability to an area Auburn has been lacking over the past couple of seasons as well. Brian Battie’s Photo Gallery AUBURN, AL - 2023.03.24 - Spring Practice AUBURN, AL - March 24, 2023 - Auburn Running Back Brian Battie (#21) during spring practice… AUBURN, AL - March 24, 2023 - Auburn Running Back Brian Battie (#21) during spring practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman AUBURN, AL - 2023.03.29 - Spring Practice AUBURN, AL - March 29, 2023 - Auburn Running Back Brian Battie (#21) during spring practice… AUBURN, AL - March 29, 2023 - Auburn Running Back Brian Battie (#21) 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 Running Back Brian Battie (#21) during spring practice… AUBURN, AL - March 01, 2023 - Auburn Running Back Brian Battie (#21) during spring practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman BYU South Florida Football South Florida running back Brian Battie (21) during an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday,… South Florida running back Brian Battie (21) during an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) NCAA Football: Auburn Spring Game Apr 8, 2023; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Wesley Steiner (32) dives to tackle running… Apr 8, 2023; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Wesley Steiner (32) dives to tackle running back Brian Battie (21) during the annual Auburn Spring Game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports Syndication: The Montgomery Advertiser Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie (21) runs the ball during the A-Day spring football game… Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie (21) runs the ball during the A-Day spring football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, April 8, 2023. NCAA Football: Auburn Spring Game Apr 8, 2023; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie (21) breaks free from… Apr 8, 2023; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie (21) breaks free from defenders during the annual Auburn Spring Game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports Syndication: The Montgomery Advertiser Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie (21) warms up during the A-Day spring football game at… Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie (21) warms up during the A-Day spring football game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, April 8, 2023. South Florida Florida Football South Florida running back Brian Battie (21) tries to get past Florida safety Trey Dean III,… South Florida running back Brian Battie (21) tries to get past Florida safety Trey Dean III, right, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (AP Photo/John Raoux) South Florida Florida Football South Florida running back Brian Battie, front left, runs past Florida linebacker Amari Burney (2) for… South Florida running back Brian Battie, front left, runs past Florida linebacker Amari Burney (2) for a 10-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Citadel v South Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: Brian Battie #21 of the South Florida Bulls rushes for 24… TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: Brian Battie #21 of the South Florida Bulls rushes for 24 yards on a play against the Citadel Bulldogs in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) Howard v USF TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 10: Brian Battie #21 of the South Florida Bulls scores a touchdown… TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 10: Brian Battie #21 of the South Florida Bulls scores a touchdown during a game against the Howard Bison at Raymond James Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) Howard v USF TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 10: Brian Battie #21 of the South Florida Bulls scores a touchdown… TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 10: Brian Battie #21 of the South Florida Bulls scores a touchdown during a game against the Howard Bison at Raymond James Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) Houston South Florida Football South Florida running back Brian Battie, left, celebrates with teammate Demarcus Gregory after scoring against Houston… South Florida running back Brian Battie, left, celebrates with teammate Demarcus Gregory after scoring against Houston during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette) NCAA Football: South Florida at Houston Nov 14, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Brian Battie (21) runs with… Nov 14, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Brian Battie (21) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports NCAA Football: South Florida at Florida Sep 17, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Brian Battie (21) runs with… Sep 17, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Brian Battie (21) runs with the ball against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports South Florida Florida Football South Florida running back Brian Battie runs against Florida during the second half of an NCAA… South Florida running back Brian Battie runs against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) Houston South Florida Football South Florida running back Brian Battie (21) heads to the end zone to score against Houston… South Florida running back Brian Battie (21) heads to the end zone to score against Houston during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette) NCAA Football: Cincinnati at South Florida Nov 12, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Brian Battie (21) runs with… Nov 12, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Brian Battie (21) runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports Syndication: The Enquirer South Florida Bulls running back Brian Battie (21) scores a touchdown as Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Deshawn… South Florida Bulls running back Brian Battie (21) scores a touchdown as Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Deshawn Pace (20) attempts to stop him in the first quarter of the NCAA Football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the South Florida Bulls at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. South Florida Bulls At Cincinnati Bearcats 160 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted July 18, 2023 Author Share Posted July 18, 2023 247sports.com PMARSHONAU NIL state politics a toxic mixture for college athletics Phillip Marshall 4–5 minutes Not a discouraging word from coaches who benefit from state NIL laws NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Hours after SEC commissioner Greg Sankey’s impassioned push for congressional action, after he said the current NIL status quo, complete with legislatures passing laws whose only purpose is give to give programs in their state competitive advantages, puts the future viability of college athletics at risk, coaches on the Media Days program did little to back him up. More succinctly, they did nothing. Two of the coaches – Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher – are from states with laws that basically allow pretty much anything when it comes to NIL. Texas A&M athletics director Ross Bjork has already said bluntly that the Aggies would be guided by state law and not by the NCAA. Fisher skated around the issue, saying that was for others to deal with it. Drinkwitz started out that way, but he quickly veered away. He praised every Missouri politician he could think of. “I'm going to let the administration and the presidents and the ADs and the commissioner work together on that side of it,” Drinkwitz said. “All I know is what I'm responsible for right now, and what the state law is right now for the University of Missouri, and that's what's going to affect us currently, and that's what I'm going to operate on.” From there, Drinkwitz thanked politicians, lots of them, for “working really hard to try to do what they can that's in the best interest of our student-athletes at the University of Missouri and providing them the opportunity to utilize their name, image, and likeness to the best of their benefit, and there you go.” In the states that have such laws – and more will be coming – don’t look for a coach or administrator to express any discomfort. Those programs have worked hand-in-hand with politicians to pass these laws. Don’t be deluded into thinking politicians just want what is best for student-athletes or that they even know what is best for student-athletes. What they know is that such laws will be popular in their states, and they can take credit. That, they hope, translates into votes. And that is where college athletics is with the 2023 football season just more than a month away. No one – no coach, no administrator, no commissioner - believes NIL is going away. It’s not. What they want is some common-sense rules that apply to everyone. State legislatures ought not have the power to affect competitive balance, but it seems they do. Sankey provided little hope Monday that the NCAA or conferences can do anything about it without the help of Congress. Maybe he will get that help, but people who know more than I are skeptical. The problems with the current broken system go beyond who gets how much money. There is no system to make sure make-believe agents can’t prey on athletes. They can and they do. There is no set of rules to prevent athletes from being lured by promises that are soon broken. That happens, too. The future is uncertain, but at least one thing is certain: Ill-advised state laws, written and passed for no other reason other than to give programs a competitive advantage, are not the answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted July 18, 2023 Author Share Posted July 18, 2023 al.com 5 things to expect on Day 2 of SEC Media Days 2023 Published: Jul. 17, 2023, 5:30 p.m. 4–5 minutes Georgia football coach Kirby Smart will make his annual appearance at SEC Media Days on Tuesday. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)AP By Creg Stephenson | cstephenson@al.com SEC Media Days heads into Day 2 at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Nashville on Tuesday. John McDaid, the SEC coordinator of officials, will take the podium for his annual talk about the new rules and points of emphasis in the league this season. Also scheduled to appear are coaches and players from four SEC schools: Auburn, Georgia, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. Here’s a quick guide for what to expect on Day 2 of SEC Media Days 2023: 1. A breakdown of the new college football rules Day 2 opens with SEC coordinator of officials John McDaid breaking down the new college football rules and taking questions from the media. There are three major rule changes, the biggest being that the clock no longer stops after first downs except in the final two minutes of a half. It’s a move to shorten games, and McDaid will no doubt have plenty of data about how much time will be shaved off in 2023 and beyond. Other rules changes are that (1) teams cannot call consecutive timeouts; (2) and penalties on the final play of the first or third quarter will carry over to the next quarter. 2. Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea will be asked about every team but his own Coaching the Commodores is a pretty thankless job, and frankly there’s not a ton of interest among the general public regarding the 2023 depth chart or the schedule. Thus, it’s likely that Lea will be asked a lot of big picture questions about off-field issues facing college football, and probably his opinion on how good the various teams on his schedule are likely to be this season. It’s usually an awkward situation. 3. Georgia’s Kirby Smart will have plenty to address off the field The Bulldogs are coming off back-to-back national championships and are the (mostly) unquestioned kings of college football at this point. But with that spotlight has come increased scrutiny, with a number of off-field controversies dominating the offseason. Smart will likely spend as much time addressing issues of reckless driving and accusations of sexual assault within his program as he will about his depth chart. Georgia has a new quarterback this year, but not a ton of other questions on the field. And the schedule is such that the Bulldogs are nearly a cinch to go 12-0. 4. Auburn’s Hugh Freeze might provide some clarity on Jarquez Hunter Freeze is making his first SEC Media Days appearance since 2017, when he was the embattled coach at Ole Miss and conducted a 16-minute filibuster in order to avoid questions about the lawsuit brought against him by Houston Nutt, which had dropped that morning. Freeze has a bit more job security this time around but has plenty to discuss on his roster. Chief among those subjects is the unsettled status of Hunter, the star running back who may or may not be suspended currently. 5. Mississippi State’s Zach Arnett will have a tough act to follow The late Mike Leach was a Media Days legend who always had something interesting to say, whether about football or a completely unrelated subject. He also continually had the shortest opening statement of any coach in attendance (seven words, for those keeping score). Arnett is a first-year head coach with a lot to live up to, both on the field and at the podium. We’ll see what he has to say when he steps up to the mic in Nashville, but he’s got a high bar to clear. Creg Stephenson is a sports writer for AL.com. He has covered college football for a variety of publications since 1994. Contact him at cstephenson@al.com or follow him on Twitter at @CregStephenson. 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted July 18, 2023 Author Share Posted July 18, 2023 si.com Auburn’s 2023 Position Battles: 2nd Team Safeties Joshua Collins 7–9 minutes Back once more with another installment of our Auburn football position battles series, we look this time to the defensive back room, specifically targeting the safety position group. With the Tigers touting the reputation and moniker of “DB University” the Auburn fanbase has come to expect loaded out defensive back recruitment year over year. Coach Hugh Freeze & Co. haven’t disappointed this year picking up some serious talent on the high school recruiting trail, crediting most of the 2023 recruiting class to this current coaching staff. In echoing the majority opinion of other major media outlets who have been touting that returning seniors Jaylen Simpson and Zion Puckett will likely be the starters this upcoming 2023 season, thus the battle for starting safety reps is presumably over. That being said, this position battle poses the question as to who on the Auburn roster could earn valuable developmental reps as the 2nd team safeties this upcoming 2023 season? We make the case for six talented young men to earn 2nd team reps for Auburn football this upcoming 2023 season. Whom under the watchful eyes of Coaches Zac Ethridge and Wesley McGriff will hopefully develop into quality starting and possibly NFL draftable talent in the coming years. The Case for Marquise Gilbert: Kicking off our list is returning junior Marquise Gilbert. The 6-foot-2 186-pound Daytona Beach, Florida native has had an eventful career up to this point, playing for his third team thus far in his collegiate career. Gilbert committed to the Auburn Tigers in December of 2021 as a highly rated JUCO transfer from Hutchinson Community College where he had played two seasons. Marquise has appeared in a total of 24 games throughout his college career boasting 41 total tackles and 2 interceptions. This young man has great field vision and discipline, knowing when to put the brakes on and be patient. Gilbert also has some explosive speed during his pursuit and attack on the ball carrier. These traits alongside additional development over the fall could place Gilbert in prime position to compete for meaningful reps this upcoming 2023 season. The Case for Caleb Wooden: The next young man on our list is returning sophomore Caleb Wooden. A 6-foot-1 188-pound Lawrenceville, Georgia native committed to Auburn in July of 2021. Wooden appeared in 5 games during the 2022 season, boasting respectable numbers as true freshman, putting 9 total tackles during his time on the field. As a high school recruit Caleb presented with great speed ability as he was often utilized as a punt returner. Caleb is also a decent tackler in the open field, making sure to wrap up his opponent to secure the stop. Although Wooden may not have the reps that some of his other peers may have, he has the size intangibles that the current coaching staff is looking for in the safety position. I imagine with some special attention being paid to this young man’s development will prove to be a solid investment for the Auburn Tigers, helping to produce a dangerous talent within the secondary in the near future. The Case for Donovan Kaufman: Continuing with yet another familiar face on the plains is returning junior Donovan Kaufman. Donovan came to the plains via the transfer portal in May of 2021 after putting in one season of play with Vanderbilt in 2020. The 5-foot-10 204-pound safety has appeared in 22 total games his collegiate career, boasting a total of 87 tackles and 3 forced fumbles. Kaufman is a physical safety and is a violent and smart tackler in the open field as he frequently attempts to strip the ball during his tackles. Donovan also has great speed off the snap with decent hands and excellent ball pursuit skills. Arguably Kaufman possesses starting quality skills, yet he will likely be battling for 2nd team reps this fall. Donovan makes a strong case for himself being first off the bench when the ones need a rest. The Case for Terrance Love: Rounding out the top four contenders is the newly minted freshman plainsmen, Terrance Love. The 6-foot-2 211-pound Fairburn, Georgia native played his senior season with Langston Hughes High School. Love committed to the Auburn 2023 recruiting class earlier than most of his fellow 2023 teammates, closing down his recruitment in April of 2022. Love fits the size profile that the current coaching staff is looking for in the safety position, lengthy and ranged on the defensive field. Terrance has decent speed and solid field vision; however, he could look to be more consistently explosive off the ball. With essentially five years of eligibility remaining this young man could develop into a top tier SEC safety under the watchful and skillful eyes of both Coach Etheridge and Coach McGriff. He is definitely a player to look out for this upcoming fall camp to make his mark on this retooled Auburn football roster. The Case for anyone else on the roster: Touching once more on the reputation the Auburn football program has for producing quality defensive backs, it is often easy to overlook some solid talent coming in to such a loaded room. In an effort to highlight some additional players on Coach Hugh Freeze & Co.’s inaugural roster and high school recruiting class, both Sylvester Smith and C.J. Johnson have earned mentions. Sylvester Smith comes to the plains out of Munford, Alabama having played his senior season with Munford High School. The 5-foot-11 186-pound safety joined the plains with a bang on National Signing Day having flipped from his Tennessee Volunteer commitment. This young man has decent field vision and is likely one of the most violent open field tacklers out of this year’s freshman defensive back class. C.J. Johnson comes to the plains hailing from the Lone Star state where he calls Katy, Texas home. The 6-foot-2 202-pound safety played his senior season with Paetow High School and helped lead them to a state title as a parting gift. Johnson is a physical safety with decent hands and solid first step off the ball. He could be more explosive in his pursuit of the ball carrier; however, this is a skill set he can learn with time. It is important to note that it is unsure whether Johnson will take the field as a safety or as a corner back. This question will assuredly be answered with the progression of fall camp. All in all, the Auburn coaching staff have done a remarkable job thus far in maintaining the “DB University” reputation, adding some quality talent to the room this recruiting cycle. The Auburn fanbase should be in for some exciting performances this 2023 season from the secondary, hopefully living up to the standard we fans have come to expect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted July 18, 2023 Author Share Posted July 18, 2023 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.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted July 18, 2023 Author Share Posted July 18, 2023 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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aubiefifty 18,259 Posted July 18, 2023 Author Share Posted July 18, 2023 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 18,259 Posted July 18, 2023 Author Share Posted July 18, 2023 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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