Payton Thorne 'loves' the message Hugh Freeze is sending, says it was a 'no-brainer' to play for him
Payton Thorne has been on campus for around two and a half months and has already become not only a fan favorite but a team favorite. Named starting QB earlier this month, the Michigan State transfer is eager to get started and play for an offensive-minded coach for the first time in his collegiate career.
This offensive coach, Head Coach Hugh Freeze, is often thought of as a QB guru. There were questions on whether people still viewed him as such in the winter and spring as he couldn't land a transfer QB. After months of searching through the portal and countless rumors, Payton Thorne announced his intentions to become an Auburn Tiger. Thorne viewed this decision as a "no-brainer" and that looking at the coaches on staff along with Coach Freeze, it was an easy decision.
Since his arrival, Thorne and Freeze have had to build their relationship not only on a positional level but a personal one. Thorne states that his coaching style is something he loves and what Freeze is 'preaching' to the team is a good message. Their relationship will continue to grow both on and off the field according to Freeze, and it is all a new experience to him.
Thorne was under Mel Tucker at Michigan State, a former Alabama defensive staffer and defensive coordinator for Georgia and multiple NFL teams. Tucker left the offensive and quarterbacking responsibilities to the offensive coordinator and QB coach. Thorne expects that Freeze having called plays and being more familiar with the offensive scheme will push him to be the best player he can be.
Thorne will be pushed into the spotlight on September 3rd, as the UMass Minutemen come into Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first game of the season, Thornes first as a Tiger.
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