JD PicKell previews what kind of role Robby Ashford could have alongside Payton Thorne

Payton Thorne just made Auburn’s quarterback room far more interesting heading into next season after his commitment to the Tigers from the transfer portal. Even so, JD PicKell doesn’t believe that means that we won’t be seeing much of Robby Ashford next season.

PicKell broke down Ashford’s impact in an episode of ‘The Hard Count’ on Monday. He said the sophomore just does too many unique things offensively, specifically with his legs, for him to simply be ignored in a quarterback competition against Thorne.

“A lot of folks in that fanbase are pulling for No. 9 to be the starter. Again, I think it’ll be Payton Thorne. But if you’re rooting for Robby Ashford? If you’re in the Robby Ashford camp? The number one reason why you stand on the table and make this case is because Robby Ashford? When he runs the football, when he tucks it off that zone read? He is one of the most dynamic players on the field,” PicKell said. “There are very few players on your roster that can do what Robby Ashford does with the football in his hands.”

“So, for Auburn fans, for this Auburn coaching staff? That is the great ace up the sleeve that you have. Payton Thorne, I think, is a good athlete. I’ve said it many times. I think he’s a quick processor and has other things that make up for what his game lacks in terms of being a dynamic runner of the football,” continued PicKell. “But, if you want a dynamic runner of the football, you want somebody that can take it 70 on third and two? That could be Robby Ashford for you. He’s a special talent in that way. There are not many guys who can do what he does when he tucks it and runs.”

In his first season on The Plains, Ashford completed just 49.2% of his passes. That led to just 1,613 yards and 7 touchdowns in the air as he also threw seven picks in his initial college action. However, over 12 games, he also rushed for 710 yards and seven touchdowns.

At the end of the day, PicKell declared that Hugh Freeze is going to have to use him one way or another next fall. He says they could be forced into doing so too based on how the start of Auburn’s season is going to look, especially in the SEC.

“He’s gonna have to be involved in some way, shape, or form going forward,” said PicKell. “Like he has to have some sort of package in short yardage, or a change of pace package, or when it comes to goal line. You’ve got to have Robby Ashford somehow factored in because of what he does running the football for you.”

“I’ll say this: Payton Thorne, again, I believe will be your starting quarterback. But if you get out there? The offensive line isn’t holding up how you want it to? Having to maybe get a little more mobility from your starting quarterback? Robby Ashford? It could happen quick, folks,” PicKell said. “Because, listen, you play at A&M, Georgia, and at LSU your first three games of SEC play. If it’s not working…you could tag Robby Ashford back in there.”

Ashford seems all in on the idea of winning the QB1 spot again with the Tigers against Thorne. If he’s going to, it’ll take him putting those distinct skills of his on display to a point that he beats out the Michigan State transfer. If not, though, PicKell still fully expects him to get utilized this fall anyhow.