It is safe to say that most players on Auburn’s roster are thrilled about the opportunity to play under [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]. One player, in particular, is quarterback [autotag]Robby Ashford[/autotag].
After Freeze’s introductory press conference on Tuesday, Ashford took time to share his thoughts on the hire with reporters on the scene. Ashford says that he did plenty of research on Freeze during the hiring process.
“During the search just seeing his track record and what he has done, I was thinking this is the coach I want to play for,” Ashford said Tuesday.
One aspect of Freeze’s game that excites Ashford is his track record of developing quarterbacks. Former Auburn quarterback [autotag]Malik Willis[/autotag] transferred to Liberty after failing to earn the top job at Auburn. Under Freeze’s direction, Willis passed for 5,107 yards and 47 touchdowns in two seasons. He then went on to be drafted 86th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Once the news of Freeze’s hiring became official, Ashford called Willis to talk about his new coach. Following the conversation, Ashford became more intrigued by Freeze’s history of developing quarterbacks.
“Me being close to Malik, just being able to see how he developed and what he is doing now, why would I not want to play for a guy like that?” Ashford said.
Ashford also says that he feels that he will get along fine with Freeze and that he wants Freeze to know that the players will bring the same energy and attitude that Freeze will bring every day.
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