Payton Thorne 'already watching film on his own' after arriving at Auburn
LAGRANGE, Ga. — Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne is on campus and already showing the leadership abilities Hugh Freeze loves to see in his Auburn football signal caller. Freeze spoke about Thorne before an Auburn alumni event on Wednesday evening.
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FIRST STOP? FILM ROOM: Freeze said Payton Thorne is already spending plenty of time in the film room.
- Auburn’s already finished with spring practice, obviously, so installation of the new offense has already taken place in great degree. Thorne has catching up to do.
- “It’s vital that he gets in. He didn’t wait. He’s already in here watching film on his own, learning stuff. He’s anxious to get with the team and start working out.”
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LEADERSHIP: What stood out most about Thorne, Freeze was asked? “Leadership, number one.”
- Thorne was a two-time captain at Michigan State adn was constantly battered standing in the pocket, according to Freeze.
- “We talk more about his stats or whatever, but this football team at Auburn has missed some leadership, particularly on the offensive side. To get that in the room only elevates everybody’s capacity to lead. The more good leaders you put around them, the more they have to model that. He’s a mature leader that knows how to prepare.”
- Thorne won 16 football games for Michigan State the last two years, including 11 in 2021.
ROBBY ASHFORD DOING HIS PART: Robby Ashford tweeted after Thorne’s commitment, “iron sharpens iron.” Freeze continues to appreciate Ashford’s approach.
- “I had a really good talk with Robby today. He’s handling things extremely well. I’m proud of him for that.”
- Freeze mentions what everybody knows: “Everybody will have competition at every position if you want to be good. We’re going to have four quarterbacks.”
