Hugh Freeze Reacts to Auburn’s First Spring Scrimmage: What’s Standing Out?
After a delayed start due to Auburn’s official spring break, the Tigers are now three weeks into their spring training, with an intense quarterback battle unfolding and new arrivals adjusting to life on the Plains. On Saturday, the team hit a major milestone with their first scrimmage, and head coach Hugh Freeze liked what he saw.
“I was really encouraged by the competitiveness of both sides,” Freeze told Auburn Rivals. “It went back and forth, and the competitiveness was really good to see. We’ll do it again this Saturday and hopefully see some improvement in every area.”
One position group that’s catching Freeze’s attention? The wide receivers. Auburn retained its core group—dubbed the “Freeze Four”—which includes Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, Bryce Cain, and Malcolm Simmons. Now in their second year under Freeze’s system, they’re showing notable improvement.
“Even Malcolm and Perry, just having a second year in the same system, with the same terminology, you see them now catching on,” Freeze said via Auburn Undercover. “Last year, there were times when Payton expected them to do something a certain way, and it didn’t always happen. But now, you see them executing at a better level. We are very much dependent on that room having success.”
The Tigers have also added fresh talent, and some newcomers are already turning heads. While Georgia Tech transfer Eric Singleton Jr. is a big-name addition, Freeze was quick to highlight the playmaking abilities of incoming freshman Sam Turner and Wake Forest transfer Horatio Fields.
Earlier this spring, Freeze called Auburn’s receiving corps one of the most talented groups he’s ever worked with. As the team gears up for the 2025 season, the success of this unit could be a game-changer.
With another scrimmage on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Auburn continues to sharpen its skills and define its roster in the weeks ahead.