Hugh Freeze explains how Auburn evaluated Caleb Burton despite limited college experience

Hugh Freeze earned a very positive commitment out of the transfer portal in former Ohio State wide receiver Caleb Burton. What he currently lacks in experience is what he makes up for with plenty of talent to potentially bring to the table for Auburn.

Even so, some wonder how Freeze and his staff could have effectively determined whether or not to bring him into their program off of little to no action in his one season in Columbus. From what Freeze said, though, it didn’t take much of Burton’s high school tape to decide that this was a quality addition and fit for the Tigers.

“Well you went by his high school tape and what he did there,” said Freeze in a media availability at the Regions Tradition Celebrity Pro-Am. “This one made sense because his high school tape was pretty dang good, obviously. He was one of the top receivers in the country, went to Ohio State. Their room was loaded there. So we based it off his high school tape and, basically, are getting a freshman.”

Burton played high school football at Lake Travis as a product out of Del Valle, Texas. He was a four-star prospect coming out of that level. He was the No. 160 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle. That’s according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Those rankings also rated him as a Top-30 WR and Top-30 prospect out of Texas.

Now, after he didn’t see the field at Ohio State, Freeze saw this as an opportunity to diversify Auburn’s wide receiver room. Picking up a young talent in Burton gives them a player that is essentially a recruit to help ‘stack (their) classes’ and balance out the experience that they also have already in that room.

Burton has to actually see the field now before anyone knows if this commitment will pay dividends down on The Plains. Still, considering all things, he has the talent and will get the chance from Freeze to make the most of his new opportunity.

More on Burton III’s commitment to Auburn

Former Ohio State wide receiver Caleb Burton III committed to Auburn out of the NCAA Transfer Portal, he announced via social media.

“(He is a) smooth, natural receiver who wins with route-running and technical skill. Uses precise cuts to separate within the route. Shows high-end body control and ability to adjust to the ball. Dangerous off of double moves,” On3’s scouting report on Burton out of high school reads. “A natural hands receiver. Adept at finding holes in zone coverage and works his way to get open on broken plays. Quicker than fast and can improve his burst off the line.

“Does not project as a receiver who will blow by coverage at the college level. Can also stand to improve his play strength. Missed the entirety of his junior season with a torn ACL.”

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.