John Samuel Shenker expects Auburn's quarterback to be 'whoever has the hot hand'
AUBURN – Is there a quarterback controversy? Following Auburn’s 42-16 win over Mercer in which T.J. Finley finished 9-14 with two interceptions and a touchdown, and backup Robby Ashford accounted for 168 total yards, including a 49-yard run and 56-yard pass, it’s a fair question entering week two.
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John Samuel Shenker, one of three team captains, was asked that question on The Next Round Live on Monday morning.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a controversy. I think we knew going in that it wasn’t set in stone that T.J. would be the only guy getting reps. We knew Robby was in the game plan,” Shenker said. “For most of this year, from my standpoint, it’s probably going to be whoever has the hot hand and what causes issues for the defense. It’s going to come down to what gives us the best chance to win the football game. If the guys can buy into that, we’ll be in good shape.”
That strategy wouldn’t be new to head coach Bryan Harsin. During the 2019 season, Hank Bachmeier attempted 219 passes in eight games, while Jaylon Henderson attempted 143 passes in nine games for Harsin at Boise State.
“Obviously, with one, it’s an easier rhythm, but we know what to expect from each guy,” Shenker said. “It’s harder for those guys to get in a groove and a rhythm during the game, but if that’s what’s best for the team and what coach Harsin wants to do, then that’s what we’re going to do.”
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Late on Saturday night, Harsin reiterated that Finley was the starter, adding Finley’s two interceptions weren’t “ideal.”
“We’re going to go back and we’re going to see what was it that caused the turnovers, how did guys really play,” Harsin said following the win over Mercer. “There’s a lot of other things too, just stuff that you guys don’t see, it’s not just throwing the ball, it’s how he’s operating as well. There’s plenty to learn, there’s nobody on this football team that’s a finished product.”
Finley and Ashford both said following Auburn’s win that whatever the team needed, that was their focus.
Harsin will speak to the media on Monday and we expect to learn more about his thoughts on the quarterback play in the opener and moving forward.
