Cam Coleman buzzes with excitement for his first college football game

Cam Coleman can’t help but smile at the mention of Auburn‘s season opener. On Thursday, the freshman wide receiver broke down his excitement to begin his collegiate career just over two weeks from now.

“Man, it’s crazy because, like, every time I used to get recruited, I used to get recruited up here, I was just thinking about myself in the stadium, just like scoring touchdowns,” Coleman said. “But now, 16 days, thinking about it, I’m excited. I’m excited to show my talent.”

Coleman’s talent is undeniable. He played high school football at Central High School (AL), where he was a five-star prospect and the No. 4 overall player in the 2024 recruiting cycle, per the On3 Industry Ranking.

In his senior year of high school, Coleman tallied 61 receptions for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns to lead Central HS to the Class 7A state championship. He didn’t falter under the bright lights, reeling in a 73-yard TD pass in the state title game to earn MVP honors.

Although Coleman can’t wait to haul in touchdowns in Jordan-Hare Stadium, he wants to show fans he can do more make flashy catches.

“I want them to see how I can be a team player, blocking down the field when I’m not getting the ball,” Coleman said. “Really just setting up blocks, setting up double moves. It’s really I just want them to see I’m a team player.”

Cam Coleman earns rave reviews from fellow Tigers

Coleman has obviously earned his teammates’ respect. Earlier this month, Auburn cornerback Champ Anthony claimed 50-50 balls are more like “60-40, 70-30 in Coleman’s favor.” Linebacker Eugene Asante stated Coleman “really wants to be one of the best to ever play this game at this university.”

They aren’t the only ones who have fostered high expectations for Coleman. At the 2024 SEC Media Days, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze heaped praise on the first-year wideout.

“I love him,” Freeze said about Coleman. “I’m careful not to put too unrealistic expectations on freshmen. But I think we had the No. 1 receiving class in the country in Cam, and Perry [Thompson], and Bryce [Cain], and Malcolm [Simmons].

“Love all four of them, Cam went through spring so I have more feel for who he is and he’s gonna have to play. I mean he’s really, really talented.”

On Aug. 31, Coleman will make his collegiate debut against Alabama A&M at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.