Hugh Freeze lauds improved depth, understanding in Year 2 at Auburn: 'We're getting closer'

A year can make a world of difference and Auburn is certainly hoping that equates to more wins this fall.

Coach Hugh Freeze was asked about what he sees in his squad that is different from this time a year ago on Wednesday during an SEC teleconference call and he opened up on the topic.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

“Yeah, there’s no question our roster is deeper and looks more like an SEC roster that I’m used to,” Freeze said. “We’re getting closer.”

With a returning starting quarterback in Payton Thorne and a handful of others who got experience in Freeze’s system last year, the offense should start to more closely resemble the kind of units Freeze had at Ole Miss several years back.

Watch College Football Games Live -Try for Free Fubo! Click HERE NOW

Those offenses were good enough to make Ole Miss competitive against even the likes of Alabama, a program that you must catch eventually as the head coach at Auburn.

The Tigers might not quite be to that level just yet, though they’ll fight like mad to make it a competitive game… just like last year.

“I still think we’re probably two recruiting classes away from saying, ‘Hey, our roster rivals that of those that are playing for the college football championship and the SEC championship,'” Freeze said. “That doesn’t mean you can’t win games, but there’s no question that we’re deeper and more competitive in practice and look different to the eye.”

That depth can make a world of difference in the SEC, particularly when you’ve already identified some elite playmakers like the Tigers have. Running back Jarquez Hunter and receiver Cam Coleman should be as good as any duo in the league, giving Auburn some elite answers.

It’s just a matter of rounding out the rest of the roster so the supplemental depth can fill in any gaps that might appear during the season.

That’s where Auburn must still make some strides. But for now, Freeze is thrilled with the additional understanding and improved depth he’s seen out of his team.

“That’s exciting to see,” Freeze said. “I know we’re moving in the right direction with recruiting and anxious about the future here at Auburn.”