Cam Coleman describes his chemistry with Payton Thorne

Freshman wideout Cam Coleman is expected to make an instant impact for Auburn as the crown jewel of the 2024 signing class. But his success will be wed to the success of quarterback Payton Thorne.

And so, like any receiver and quarterback getting to know each other, the process of acclimating to their counterparts game is critical for success. And so far, things seem to be on the right track for the duo.

“My connection with Payton Thorne has definitely grown a lot,” Coleman said. “Our chemistry on and off the field, just getting to know him as a person. Getting to know him as a person, he’ll just learn me more, I learn him more.”

The chemistry and connection between a quarterback and receiver is far more than just spending time on task, too.

Coleman explained that he and Thorne have been delving into the nuances of their respective opinions, sharing their preferences for different looks with each other in the hopes of building to a perfect sybiosis.

“I told him how I like the ball being thrown and he told me where he wants to be on certain routes. So just really building that chemistry,” Coleman said.

Coleman is excited to play his first college football game

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.”