Tag: Will Friend

Former Vols’ assistant hired at Mississippi State

Former Vols’ football assistant coach hired at Mississippi State.

Former Tennessee assistant coach Will Friend was hired at Mississippi State on Friday.

Friend served as the Vols’ offensive line coach from 2018-20.

Mississippi State press release:

Will Friend, a veteran SEC coach and heralded recruiter, has been hired to Mississippi State’s football staff at a position to be named later, head coach Zach Arnett announced Friday.

Friend is a native of Philadelphia, Mississippi, who has been considered a top 20 percent graded offensive line coach in the country over the last 15 years according to football analytics website College Football Matrix.

“We’re excited to welcome Will Friend back to his home state,” Arnett said. “Will is an outstanding coach with a proven record of recruiting and developing players on the offensive side of the ball in the toughest conference in the sport. He knows the SEC inside and out from being a player and a coach and will be another great addition to our staff.”

Friend spent the last two seasons at Auburn as offensive line coach. Prior to that, he served as Tennessee’s offensive line coach from 2018-20. He was also offensive line coach and offensive coordinator at Colorado State (2015-2017) and offensive line coach at Georgia (2011-14).

“My family and I couldn’t be more excited to join the Mississippi State family,” Friend said. “I want to thank coach Arnett for this incredible opportunity. The state of Mississippi is home for me, and the talent it produces is second to none. I can’t wait to develop relationships with our players and get right to work.”

This past season, Friend’s offensive line unit helped Auburn rank third in the SEC and 18th nationally in rushing.

While at Tennessee, Friend developed two-time All-SEC first team lineman and eventual NFL draft pick Trey Smith. In 2019, Friend’s offensive line was arguably the Volunteers’ most improved and most effective unit throughout the season. Friend’s unit featured an All-SEC First Team award winner in Smith and two SEC All-Freshman honorees in Wanya Morris and Darnell Wright. Additionally, Morris was named to the 247Sports True Freshman All-America team, and Smith – who didn’t allow a sack all year – garnered a pair of SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors.

In Friend’s first season at Tennessee, the Vols’ offense saw improvements across the board, seeing an uptick in rushing offense, passing offense, total offense and scoring offense from 2017-18.

Friend went to Tennessee after a three-year stint (2015-17) as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Colorado State. In 2017, he led an offense that ranked 11th in the nation in total offense at 492.5 yards per game. Colorado State’s 33.4 points per game in 2017 led the conference and ranked 31st in the nation.

Prior to Colorado State, Friend served as the offensive line coach at Georgia in 2011 before adding the title of running game coordinator in 2013. During his final season in Athens in 2014, Friend helped guide a Bulldogs’ offense that averaged 41.3 points per game, which ranked eighth nationally, and racked up 457.8 yards of total offense per game.

He spent the 2005-06 seasons as the offensive line coach at Gardner-Webb, before a four-year stint (2007-10) as the offensive line coach at UAB.

Overall, Friend has coached nine offensive linemen who have been selected in the NFL draft.

Friend is 1998 graduate from the University of Alabama who earned his bachelor’s degree in human performance.

He started at guard for the Crimson Tide in all four seasons and was a two-time All-SEC selection. He is a member of Alabama’s Team of the Decade for the 1990s.

Friend was a Parade Magazine All-America selection as a senior at Neshoba Central High in Philadelphia, Miss.

Friend and his wife, Carrie, have three children – Katie, Brooks and Charlie.

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Hunter’s half back touchdown pass was no coincidence

Cadillac Williams and Jarquez Hunter break down the 2nd quarter touchdown pass in Saturday’s win that looked all too familiar to Auburn fans.

In the second quarter of Auburn’s 41-17 win over Western Kentucky on Saturday, interim offensive coordinator [autotag]Will Friend[/autotag] dialed up a trick play that would end in an Auburn touchdown.

Quarterback [autotag]Robby Ashford[/autotag] pitched the football right side to running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag], who then launched the football 20 yards to a wide-open [autotag]Koy Moore[/autotag] in the endzone. The touchdown pass would be the only one in the game and would extend Auburn’s lead to 17-3.

If the pass looked familiar to you, its’ because it was inspired by the new leading man of Auburn Football, [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag].

Williams was involved in a similar play during the 2004 Georgia game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. He received a pitch from quarterback Jason Campbell and would throw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Mix that would extend Auburn’s lead over the Bulldogs, 14-0.

Not only was Williams involved in the 2004 trick play, but Friend was on the opposing sidelines as well. Friend decided that, 18 years later, he wanted to set Hunter up to perform the same play in front of Williams.

“He did it so I had to do it, too,” Hunter said after the game. “But I had to make mine better.”

The plan began cooking on Monday during offensive meetings. Williams noticed that Friend was chatting with Hunter about installing a trick play that could be used during the Western Kentucky game. The winning selection? The halfback pass.

“I said, ‘Hold on, whoa,'” Williams said following the win. “‘You know who did that, right?”

To that, Friend responded with “Yeah Cadillac, I know — I was at Georgia in 2004 whenever y’all killed me with the halfback pass.”

Then, the time arrived to call the play. Williams said postgame that he told Hunter that the play would go for a touchdown.

“It’s going to work,” Williams said. “You have proof because your coach did it.”

Hunter ended the game with 129 all-purpose yards and two total touchdowns. He, along with [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag], rushed for over 100 yards each for the second-straight game.

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2022 Auburn football preview: Offensive Line

Will this be the year the offensive line puts it all together?

The offensive line has been one of the most criticized units on the roster for the past several seasons. However, with nine upper-classmen competing for spots it is also one of the most experienced units on the team.

Starters [autotag]Nick Brahms[/autotag], [autotag]Brandon Council[/autotag], [autotag]Keiondre Jones[/autotag], and [autotag]Austin Troxell[/autotag] all return and veterans [autotag]Alec Jackson[/autotag], [autotag]Kilian Zierer[/autotag], [autotag]Brenden Coffey[/autotag], [autotag]Kam Stutts[/autotag], and [autotag]Jalil Irvin[/autotag] are pushing hard.

Offensive line coach [autotag]Will Friend[/autotag] has his work cut out for him trying to find the best starting five to help pave the way for Tank Bigsby and the rest of Auburn’s running backs. While the group flashed at times last season, they need to become more consistent for Auburn’s offense to take a step forward.

Tight End Preview

Wide Receiver Preview

Running Back Preview

Tigers extend offer to promising 2023 OT from Louisiana

Tigers extended an offer to 2023 four-star offensive tackle Zalance Heard on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the Tigers coaching staff extended an offer to 2023 offensive tackle Zalance Heard. Heard hauls from the same high school that Enyce Sledge once played for: Neville High School.

Heard is regarded as a four-star according to 247Sports’ recruiting rankings. He is listed at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds. The Louisiana native has quite the offers thus far. Other programs like LSU, Nebraska, Michigan, Texas, and USC have all offered Heard to this point. Most recently, he took a visit to Nebraska on June 10th.

The Tigers have quite the offensive line commit in four-star interior offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner. However, that isn’t enough for Coach Harsin and the rest of the coaching staff. With several offensive linemen graduating, the staff has prioritized recruiting offensive linemen. More specifically, the offensive tackle position.

Heard possesses great size and could make an immediate impact on the Tigers’ offensive line. Offensive line coach [autotag]Will Friend[/autotag] is pushing to improve his unit this season. Last season, the Tigers were more effective at run blocking than they were in pass protection. If a prospect like Heard chooses the Tigers, it could instantly change the trajectory of the future on the Plains. The Tigers will more than likely have to battle the LSU for his recruitment. It will be interesting to see how his recruitment unfolds in the coming months.

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Auburn among top schools for 2023 OT Isaiah Robinson of Texas

Another prospect lists Auburn among their top choices.

On Monday, 2023 offensive tackle Isaiah Robinson released his top twelve schools. One of the schools listed was the Auburn Tigers. Other schools include Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, TCU, Cal, Grambling State, Prairie View A&M, Tennessee, Oklahoma State, LSU, and USC.

Robinson is regarded as a four-star according to 247Sports’ recruiting rankings. He is listed at 6-foot-7 and 280 pounds. The product of Arlington, Texas is ranked as the No. 81 overall prospect in the country on 247Sports. After being offered on April 5th, he unofficially visited the Plains on April 9th.

The Tigers could certainly utilize Robinson along the offensive line in the future. With his size, he would likely play offensive guard at the moment. However, if he adds some muscle, offensive line coach [autotag]Will Friend[/autotag] would likely keep him at offensive tackle. The Tigers have several seniors up front — Kilian Zierer, Brandon Council, Alec Jackson, and Austin Troxell. They will look to add some depth with potential transfers as well as recruits in the 2023 class.

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Auburn listed in mammoth 2023 offensive lineman’s final 12 schools

Big-time 2023 offensive lineman from Illinois puts Auburn in his final 12.

On Wednesday morning, 2023 offensive lineman Miles McVay released his top 12 schools. One of the schools listed was the Auburn Tigers. Several other SEC programs were included: Alabama, Missouri, LSU, Florida, and Arkansas.

McVay is a large specimen standing at 6’7 and 355 pounds. The Illinois native is definitely one of the biggest linemen on either side of the ball in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He is just one of twenty-three offensive tackles that the Tigers’ coaching staff has offered thus far. If he were to commit to the Tigers, he would be the second offensive lineman to join offensive line coach Will Friend’s o-line room.

In recent years, Auburn has struggled to find consistency along the offensive line. Adding a player like McVay would go very far. With his size and ability to block edge players at an elite level, he may very well be a day one starter if he chooses to commit to Auburn.

Miles McVay’s Recruiting Profile

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3-star offensive tackle Colby Smith commits to Auburn

For the first time since 2018 Auburn is set to sign a high school offensive tackle in Colby Smith. 

For the first time since 2018 Auburn is set to sign a high school offensive tackle in Colby Smith.

The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Smith was previously committed to Auburn offensive line coach Will Friend at Tennessee and will be following him to The Plains.

Smith is a 3-star product in the 247Sports Composite and the No. 49 tackle. 247Sports is the highest on Smith, ranking him as a four-star and No. 27 tackle.

If Smith does sign, he will be the first high school offensive tackle since Kameron Stutts in 2018. Before that, it was Austin Troxell and Calvin Ashley in 2017.

Here is his scouting report from Brandon Hoffman of 247Sports:

Long arms and lengthy frame with room to add more weight. Not a natural bender but shows decent flexibility. Good feet that he keeps moving in his blocks with good leg drive. Needs to show more consistency in delivering the initial punch instead of waiting to engage the defender. Projects as multi-year Power 5 starter and third-day NFL draft selection.

Former Auburn legend Tracy Rocker set to return as DL coach

Auburn legend Tracy Rocker is returning to the Plains as the defensive line coach.

It appears that head coach Bryan Harsin isn’t finished with purging from South Carolina’s coaching staff just quite yet. One week after hiring former South Carolina OC Mike Bobo and OL coach Will Friend, Harsin has claimed yet another Gamecocks coach to his inaugural staff.

Tracy Rocker’s Auburn roots run deep. As a player at Auburn, Rocker finished his 1988 senior season as a two-time All American and was acknowledged as the SEC Player of the Year. That year he also became the first SEC player to ever receive the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Trophy. Rocker was selected by the Washington Redskins as the 66th overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft.

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After three seasons of professional football, Rocker entered the coaching realm in 1992 as Auburn High School’s defensive coordinator. While coaching with AHS, Rocker completed his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. Rocker left AHS in 1994 to coach the defensive line at West Alabama.

Before returning to Auburn in 2009 to coach the Tigers’ national championship defensive line, Rocker gained experience with Troy, Cincinnati, Arkansas, and Ole Miss.

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In the 11 years separating Rocker’s return from his last job at Auburn, he’s coached for the Tennessee Titans, Georgia, Tennessee, and most recently South Carolina. His resume is one that consumes multiple pages in length with success found in every column.

It’s also worth noting that his son Kumar Rocker is an early favorite to go No. 1 overall in the 2021 MLB Draft.

Welcome back home, Coach Rocker!

Auburn hires Will Friend as offensive line coach

Bryan Harsin has hired Will Friend away from Tennessee to become Auburn’s new offensive line coach.

Will Friend has a major project in front of him.

On Thursday, it was announced that Friend will join Bryan Harsin’s Auburn staff as the offensive line coach, coming over from Tennessee.

“I want to thank Coach Harsin for the opportunity to join his staff at Auburn,” Friend said. “I’ve coached against Coach Harsin and have always had so much respect for him and the culture he created within his program. Auburn is a special place and I have great regard for the Auburn football program, the university, and the incredible passion of the Auburn family. I’m excited to join something special at Auburn with Coach Harsin and the staff.”

He will now be in charge of correcting what has been a large issue for the Tigers over the past few years in offensive line play. This past season, the line was downright bad, rarely giving any time to Bo Nix to throw the ball and forcing him to scramble quite a bit.

“I’m happy to welcome Coach Friend to our staff here at Auburn,” Harsin said. “We both strongly believe that winning the line of scrimmage is one of the most important parts of a successful football team. His offensive lines have a history of being physically and mentally tough. We’re excited to have Will join the Auburn family.”

Vols’ assistant hired by Auburn

Auburn hired Bryan Harsin as its next head coach last month.

Auburn hired Bryan Harsin as its next head coach last month.

On Thursday, Harsin hired Will Friend to Auburn’s staff as the Tigers’ offensive line coach.

Friend served as Tennessee’s offensive line coach from 2018-20 under Jeremy Pruitt.

“I’m happy to welcome Coach Friend to our staff here at Auburn,” Harsin said in a press release. “We both strongly believe that winning the line of scrimmage is one of the most important parts of a successful football team. His offensive lines have a history of being physically and mentally tough. We’re excited to have Will join the Auburn family.”

“I want to thank Coach Harsin for the opportunity to join his staff at Auburn. I’ve coached against Coach Harsin and have always had so much respect for him and the culture he created within his program. Auburn is a special place and I have great regard for the Auburn football program, the university, and the incredible passion of the Auburn family. I’m excited to join something special at Auburn with Coach Harsin and the staff.” — Will Friend

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