Mike Bobo focused on the fundamentals with quarterback Bo Nix
AUBURN | Mike Bobo isn’t concerned about the athletic ability of quarterback Bo Nix.
Bobo isn’t worried about Nix’s ability to draw up a play on the chalk board, make a throw, or scramble for extra yards. There’s a reason Nix was one of the top-rated prep quarterbacks in the country. There’s a reason he started the first game of his true freshman season against Oregon.
No, Auburn’s new offensive coordinator is focused on the little things. As Nix prepares to start his third season with his third offensive coordinator, it’s back to the basics for Bobo and head coach Bryan Harsin.
“If we got on the chalk room, draw this up and draw that up, I think he can talk about it,” Bobo said. “But there’s so many nuances and details of why you call a certain play, what you’re trying to attack. To me, with Bo, it’s doing the little things over and over. I’m talking fundamentally.
“You never get away from talking fundamentals. You’ve never arrived at that point. Scheme is scheme, but fundamentals over and over is the main thing with him.”
Signs of improvement
Nix has yet to complete 60 percent of his passes for a season. His touchdown to interception ratio remains about 2:1.
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However, there are positive signs early in fall camp.
“He had a really good day on day three,” Bobo said. “I thought he was sharp, fundamentally sound, he was on balance in the pocket. That’s a lot of what we’ve been talking about with him, it’s being on balance, feet beneath the ground. But becoming a more consistent passer and that’s with his fundamentals.”
But back to the things you can’t always coach. Bobo is thrilled with Nix’s intangibles and his ability to grind. There’s a lot to build on, Bobo believes.
“I’ve been extremely impressed with how hard Bo works,” Bobo said. “Whether it’s the weight room, running the decks this summer, how he prepares this summer — he’s sitting in my office constantly. He leaves no stone unturned. He’s an ultimate competitor. He wants to win at everything, not just football. And last one, being vulnerable. It’s a good trait. Listening to the way we want to do things, the way Coach Harsin has it structured. He loves Auburn University. He has a lot to work on and it’s a credit to (Bo) and how he’s raised. I’m excited to be here and Coach Bo Nix.”
The work is only getting started as the season opener against Akron nears.
“I like where we’re at, but a long way to go.”
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