As the 2022-23 academic year is in its closing stages, we are in the midst of the second transfer portal window of the season. In this 15 day period between April 15th to April 30th, college football players can enter the portal and explore their options. They can commit if they would like, although it isn’t required for players to commit before April 30th; the player just has to be in the portal by the time the window closes.
To say the least, there has been a lot of hype behind it as pretty much everyone was expecting a dramatic first few days of this span. However, this hasn’t been the case. The amount of guys entering and moving around the portal hasn’t lived up to what people thought. With 11 days left, we expect to see some action soon… right?
As for Auburn football, the transfer portal this go around is crucial to what we are going to see on the field come fall. Trying to rebuild from a coaching staff who’s recruiting wasn’t exactly great, Hugh Freeze and company are very active in the portal at the moment. It’s very obvious which groups Freeze wants to build off the bat, as he is offering spots and receiving commitments from “the trenches”. Auburn will definitely have a stronger offensive line this year, but one of the big questions around this program is regarding the quarterback situation. Are the Tigers going to pick up somebody from the portal or stick with their current QB room? Here are my thoughts.
I think Robby Ashford is a solid player that can run the offense well. He has the legs and athleticism to be a really hard player for the defense to contain, but it’s a matter of if his arm can take him to the next level. Hugh Freeze has a history of developing quarterbacks and I believe Robby Ashford has the potentional to be a strong fit for the Freeze offense if he can become more consistent through the air.
Personally, I like the guy. It’s obvious that he loves the team, the fans, and Auburn as a whole. You can tell by the way he presents himself in interviews that he truly wants to lead this team and wants to get better day in and day out.
On the other hand, some people don’t believe he’s “the guy” for Auburn in 2023. So far, I don’t see a quarterback in the portal right now that is strides better than Ashford that can come in and compete at a higher level in the SEC. But that could absolutely change as we get further into this short window, which is normally full of unexpected moves.
If I had to predict on this day, April 19th, who the starting quarterback would be in the fall, I would say Robby Ashford.
What are your thoughts? Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments!
Hey Gunner!! This is an amazing article and I am so proud of you! Proud to have been one of your first interviews! Keep up the good work!