On3 writer J.D. PicKell has grim outlook on Tigers quarterback T.J. Finley

Could T.J. Finley compete for the starting job in 2023?

Quarterback T.J. Finley’s future in the NCAA is uncertain, but it may not be on the Plains.

On3 national writer J.D. PicKell recently discussed Auburn’s quarterback room on his podcast, The Hard Count. Those among the discussion included Finley, who initially left the team late last year but then re-appeared as training began earlier in the year.

Here is what PicKell had to say about Finley on his podcast:

“TJ Finley. 12 touchdowns, 10 interceptions in his career. Was the starter last year out of camp. And, TJ Finley, (has) a lot of ability. Big arm, good athlete. But there’s a sample size there. And when people show you who they are? When people tell you who they are? You gotta believe them… TJ Finley has shown you who he is at Auburn, he has shown you what he can do at Auburn. I don’t know that we need to keep revisiting this. That sounds a little bit harsh or probably is a little bit harsh. I’m not here to dunk on TJ Finley but if you talk about success in 2023? I think you likely see him transferring out after the spring.”

Finley’s resume at Auburn hasn’t been stellar, to say the least. Finley only attempted 53 passes in 2022, but threw one touchdown to just four interceptions. The year before, when he took over for an injured Bo Nix, Finley threw six touchdowns to one interception but only completed 54.7 percent of his passes.

It’s currently unclear who coach Hugh Freeze intends to make his starting quarterback in 2023. If it isn’t Finley, it stands to reason that he may transfer out of the program in an attempt to find a starting job somewhere in college football.

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