Hugh Freeze, the head coach of Auburn football, discusses his team’s strategy for playing NIL and the transfer portal.
The Name, Image, and Likeness, or NIL, regulations along with the NCAA transfer site have significantly altered the college football environment in recent years. Relationships were emphasized during the recruiting process, players desired to attend schools that would help them grow into successful athletes, and a commitment to a school was expected to last for the following three to four years.
While much of that still holds true today, it would be naive to argue that money isn’t now the primary driver of hiring, particularly when it comes to attracting transfers through the portal.
After Payton Thorne’s performance in the Music City Bowl, a lot of Auburn football supporters anticipated that the coaching staff would attempt to sign a transfer quarterback this offseason. Hugh Freeze, the head coach, however, has reiterated his choice to start Payton Thorne over a transfer quarterback.
According to Auburn Undercover, Freeze stated, “I believe in our quarterback room.” “Kent Austin, the quarterbacks coach, has my faith.” Payton can succeed if the proper elements are in place, in my opinion. I don’t think we had a complete package surrounding him, but I think you saw some hints of it.”
Freeze continued, discussing his belief in the quarterbacks who were already on the Plains and bringing up the subject of NIL money.
You have the following choices: go spend a million dollars on this person, or develop Walker, Hank, Holden, Payton, and Hank. I wanted to connect the dots, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do that. I’m not saying I won’t do that later, but as of right now, I believe the man is proven.”
Thorne’s production could increase this season, according to Freeze and the coaching staff, as they have a virtually entirely new group of wide receivers, which includes 5-star rookie Cam Coleman. Not to add that with new offensive coordinator Derrick Nix, Freeze is supposedly more involved in this year’s offensive scheme.
Regarding Auburn football’s perspective on NIL, it’s evident that assembling a quality group of players for every position group, fostering connections, and fitting in with the culture take precedence than focusing exclusively on one player.
According to On3, Freeze said, “I just don’t feel comfortable with some of the bidding wars for some of the top guys in the portal.” Not that we’re not trying to be fair. All I want to do is assemble the entire roster, attempting to do it with players that, in some ways, mesh with your culture.
Freeze has made good use of the portal during his tenure at Auburn, particularly in his first season on the Plains, but it appears he isn’t quite ready to give up on the more conventional aspects of recruiting just yet.
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