JD PicKell: Breaking down Robby Ashford's position in Auburn quarterback battle

There’s no clear plan yet at quarterback for Auburn after three-year starter Bo Nix darted west for Oregon last offseason. However, On3’s JD PicKell believes Oregon might have sent a young gem Auburn’s way in Robby Ashford.

Over on the On3 YouTube channel, PicKell broke down at length why Ashford could be impactful this season, even if he isn’t the starter. You can watch his explanation in the video or read his entire comments below:

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JD PicKell on Robby Ashford

“The dark horse, in my mind — someone to keep an eye on as the season goes on — Robby Ashford. Redshirt freshman, transferred from Oregon. Really good athlete and you saw that in their spring game. Was the MVP of the spring game. Does a lot with his legs.”

That aspect of Ashford’s game could earn him snaps no matter who wins the QB competition.

“Coach Kiesau was talking about it. He said…we might have to find a way to get him into the game. Reading between the lines there a little bit, but he’s talking about having packages for him doing quarterback designed runs. Doing the read option game. Because he’s so athletic, he brings a whole new element to your offense when he’s on the field.”

Having that type of change of speed coming off your bench under center can also be a nightmare for defensive coordinators.

“To have to prep for a quarterback that can hurt you with his legs as well — that’s another thing that you have to spend time during the week preparing for as a defense. You have to dedicate a whole other period that you would have spent prepping for Zach Calzada. Now you have to, when Ashford’s in the game…we got to make sure we have this personnel on the field, we’re playing the read option this way. It’s just more pressure on the opposition, more pressure on the defense.”

Even if Ashford doesn’t start, according to PicKell, since he’ll likely get snaps regardless, he could wind up winning the job during the course of the season.

“Robby Ashford could kind of be the ace in the hole, I think, here for Auburn. Let’s say Zach Calzada starts the first few games for you — and you do okay. But Robby Ashford, when he’s in the game, offense moves. Maybe those packages for Robby Ashford start to grow a little bit. And then you kind of start to murmur and say…okay, do we need to go to Ashford for game six of this season? Does Robby Ashford give us the best chance to win right now?”

While JD PicKell wouldn’t peg Ashford as the day one starter, he’s confident the former Duck will make an impact one way or another.

“I don’t think Robby Ashford will start game one. That’s not the vibe I’m getting from the Auburn program as a whole. Anyway, for Robby Ashford, he has a real chance to help this football team. I think if [he] does will with a little bit, it’s going to be hard for this coaching staff not to continue to put more on your plate and expand you role. So something to keep an eye on.”