Former Hugh Freeze WR making noise as rookie for New England Patriots

Did the New England Patriots land another draft steal? It surely seems like it. Former Liberty, and Hugh Freeze, wide receiver Demario Douglas was drafted as the 33rd pick in the 6th round of the 2023 draft by the Patriots. Now, he is creating some headlines and showing out in practice.

Freeze has been gettin some credit for Douglas’ quick adjustment to the pros early on.

Sixth-round pick who blossomed at @LibertyFootball under @CoachHughFreeze. https://t.co/qjiy1nvEcz

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) August 15, 2023

Douglas named one of 6 most impressive Patriots in camp so far

Centralmaine.com provided a list of the “Six most impressive Patriots early in training camp.” Here is what was written about Douglas.

“Pop” (Douglas) popped off in training camp and was used like a near-lock for a roster spot in the Patriots’ first preseason game, taking just two snaps before joining established veterans on the sideline. The Patriots liked what they saw out of Douglas in OTAs and minicamp. He immediately was part of a group of skill-position players spending time with starting quarterback Mac Jones early in practice on the first day of training camp. He also seemed to leapfrog 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton later in the summer.

Douglas’ speed, quickness and agility consistently stood out in team drills, and the separation he gained in 1-on-1s is the stuff of legends. He also proved to have sure hands.

What it means for Auburn, Freeze

The narrative around Freeze is that he has always been able to maximize the potential of bigger, taller receivers. That is true and he has had plenty of success with bigger body receivers. For Freeze to have a smaller receiver making waves in the NFL would be big for his recruiting of that position. Of course, credit is given to former Liberty wideout coach Maurice Harris here. It will be seen under the umbrella of Freeze and in his offensive system, too.

Freeze will have a few smaller receivers on his Auburn roster in 2023.

— Ja’Varrius Johnson, a veteran, stands 5-foot-10 167 pounds.
— Jay Fair, a sophomore receiver at 5-foot-10 186 pounds.
— Caleb Burton, a Freeze transfer portal pickup from Ohio State who is 5-foot-11 171 pounds.

Freeze currently has a smaller receiver, Bryce Cain from Mobile (Ala.) Baker, committed in his 2024 class.

Former USF transfer running back Brian Battie, who Freeze added from the portal, also fits the smaller body narrative and is on the preseason Paul Hornung Award watchlist for most versatile player in the country.

Douglas’ success in the NFL early on is a good sign for smaller receivers who Auburn may be recruiting or currently have on the team. A narrative about Auburn’s offensive line recruiting has been linked back to the system employed under former staffs. Freeze can, at least, point to Douglas being ready to go as an NFL rookie transitioning directly from his offensive system.

Current Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien referred to Douglas is “the most advanced young wideout (he’s) ever coached” according to CJ Golson on Twitter.

That’s my guy @popshotta3 …@mauricejharris had him coached up https://t.co/1aXw5aQR3U

— Hugh Freeze (@CoachHughFreeze) August 15, 2023

Douglas stats at Liberty

Douglas was 15th in the NCAA with 79 receptions and 33rd in receiving yards with 993. He also had 6 touchdown catches. He returned 18 punts for 74 yards and 14 kickoffs for 291 yards as well.

In 2021, he led Liberty with 52 catches and 701 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. The year before, he totaled 363 yards and three touchdowns on 32 receptions while ranking ninth in the nation with 11.1 yards per punt return.

He made the Paul Hornung Award watch list before the 2021 and 2022 seasons. That award goes to the most versatile player in the country.