TJ Finley acknowledges own shortcomings amid prolonged quarterback battle

TJ Finley knows he has a lot of work to do if he is to win the Auburn quarterback battle. Despite starting the final few games for the Tigers in 2021, the third year-player is far from guaranteed the position in 2022.

Auburn brought in Texas A&M transfer quarterback Zach Calzada, who threw for 2,185 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions this past season. Also bringing starting experience he figures to challenge Finely for the position heading into this upcoming season.

“The coaches have expressed that to us,” Finley said following the Tigers’ spring game Saturday. “We’re gonna compete every day. No one should get comfortable, and I think bringing in these guys was the best thing for me. Me personally, if I would’ve gotten comfortable last year, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Bringing in these guys really helped me look in the mirror and look at what I need to get better at. I think I’m progressively getting better at that.”

Finley had the advantage of being the only healthy quarterback in the battle entering the spring game, as Clazada sat out due to an injury. With his competition sidelined, Finley finished the scrimmage 11-of-19 passing for 137 yards and a touchdown. The next best quarterback, Oregon transfer Robby Ashford, finished 12-of-16 passing for 132 yards.

A former four-star recruit, Finley was the No. 31 overall quarterback in the class of 2020 according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He originally committed to LSU before transferring to Auburn following the end of his true freshman season. A Louisiana native, he also boasted offers from Alabama, Georgia, Oregon and many others.

Finley played in just nine games for the Tigers this past season, totaling 827 yards, six touchdowns and an interception. Meanwhile, Clazada was the starter for the Aggies from Week 3 on. This contrast in experience could be a big factor when it comes to who Harsin tabs as the starter in 2022.

Auburn has until Sept. 3, when it opens the 2022 season against Mercer, to make that decision.