Hugh Freeze is speaking to the media. I’ll have updates in here.
- On giving up play calling “There’s a point in time where your whole concern is what is best for whatever program you’re leading. There’s so many dynamics to leading a program that are a little bit new and different.” Mentioned that he’ll still call some shots on the offense, but that he has a lot of confidence in Coach Montgomery and the rest of the offensive staff.
- Mentioned that having a guy like Philip Montgomery, who has experience as a coach is great, but the game management “rests on himself.”
- On how chaotic the start of his Auburn tenure has been: “It’s not an ideal calendar for us in year one, but it is part of taking a new job.”
- He said that he and Montgomery have similar offenses, but are having to adjust to each other. “I’m open to learning new things. But it’s a learning curve.”
- On Ron Roberts: “Ron is as brilliant of a defensive mind as there is.” Mentioned how he stopped an explosive (Ole Miss) offense in the Sugar Bowl last year. Said that Roberts believes in hard-nosed football which is what Auburn needs.
- Says he hasn’t had much of a chance to meet with his players because of how much he’s been on the road.
- “I’m just listening and watching, but I’m looking forward to getting to know the team… next week will be a week for that.”
- What’s the message for the people that are haters: “Give me a chance to really know me, not something you’ve heard. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I own everything that’s happened in my life. I’ve made adjustments… the ones that really matter are our players and fans.” (I’ll try and get this full quote in a bit)
- I’m having some returners on staff: “I lean on Cadillac quite a bit and Zac.” Mentioned that he asks them about issues from last year.
- On his crootin: “There’s no more important thing. I wish I could say I know our current team better. The current roster demanded that we hit the road hard. I wasn’t afforded the time to do anything but recruit.” Mentioned that having to grab nine linemen is unheard of.
- “The one thing I knew about Auburn is that Auburn sells itself when you have a leader that has a vision and buys in.”
- Recruits have said that it feels like the staff has been together a long time: “If you’re really honest with yourself, there’s things you feel you’re really good at and things that you’re not as good at.” He said that one thing he feels he’s really good at is gathering a staff that’s strengths balance each other out.
- On maybe getting a qb and the current qb room: “I think I’ll know a lot more after spring practice.” Said that based on the film he’s watched, he hasn’t been able to judge the qbs well just because they weren’t afforded the time to stand in the pocket and deliver throws.
- “We entertained a few qbs in the first window — never felt great about any.” Mentioned that there were some transfers that just didn’t pan out.
- "You're gonna get coached hard, but that doesn't mean we don't believe in you."
- On Kent Austin: "He's the best quarterback coach I've ever been around."
- Freeze on @BrianStultz : "He would not play QB for me."
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