Hugh Freeze at SEC Media Days 2024: 3 interesting things Auburn HC said at Dallas event
Hugh Freeze's SEC Media Days 2024 tour felt like a throwback in many ways. Now in his second season at Auburn, Freeze sounds like a man disinclined to be at the cutting edge of college football.
At one point, he jokingly feigned ignorance of Oklahoma and Texas joining the league. This only underscored that Freeze's comments at SEC Media Days 2024 were a throwback.
3 interesting things said by Hugh Freeze at SEC Media Days 2024
#1. It's a running-first attack for Auburn
When questioned about his team's strengths, Freeze commented that he hoped it would be the running game. He also commented at one point that he liked his running back room, even if nobody else was talking about them.
That's a big oversimplification, as Jarquez Hunter, Auburn's senior back, is hardly unnoticed. With 909 yards rushing and 5.7 yards per carry last season, Hunter is a known quality. Backup Damari Alston added 320 yards in 2023 and was praised by Freeze for his leadership.
Freeze later clarified that if Auburn runs the ball well, it could open up the passing game for big plays. In a time of pass-heavy football, Hugh Freeze was an advocate for running to set up the pass at SEC Media Days 2024.
#2. Freeze doesn't love the portal shuffle
Unlike other coaches who were quick to embrace the transfer portal, Freeze made clear that given his druthers, he'd utilize traditional recruiting to build his roster.
"I'll be the first to admit I'm probably not the best portal recruiter that there is," Freeze said. "I don't know. I like developing players."
Freeze later said that given the climate of college football at the moment, he'll probably have to adjust his preferences around the realities of the sport.
#3. Freeze is pleased with his defensive additions
Auburn's defensive staff had a shake-up with the loss of coordinator Ron Roberts to Florida. Freeze replaced him with former Texas A&M coordinator DJ Durkin and former Colorado coordinator Charles Kelly, who will serve as co-coordinators.
"I love what D.J. Durkin and Charles Kelly are bringing to the defensive side," Freeze said. "I have great trust in those guys."
Durkin and Kelly inherited a fairly talented group. Auburn allowed just 22.6 points and 357 yards per game last season. They returned several starters while simultaneously adding multiple portal players who had previously started at the P5 level.
What did you think of the comments from Hugh Freeze at SEC Media Days 2024? Weigh in with your thoughts below in our comments section!