Podcast ranks Payton Thorne No. 12 among SEC quarterbacks

The assessment of Michigan State transfer quarterback Payton Thorne varies from outlet to outlet.

Michael Bratton of That SEC Podcast recently released his 2023 SEC quarterback rankings, with Thorne near the bottom of the list at No. 12.

Bratton doesn't think Thorne is a bad quarterback - but he's uncertain about how the Tigers' coaching staff is going to utilize him in a new offense.

"It’s just so hard for me to peg what Auburn’s going to be with a new coaching staff, with essentially a new starting entire offense with all the transfers," Bratton said. "So I think he could be a really good player. I’m not saying you can’t win with Payton Thorne, I think you can."

Bratton went on to say that Thorne reminds him of former SEC quarterback Bo Wallace, who beat Alabama under Hugh Freeze back in 2014.

Thorne ranks 12th only above Vanderbilt's AJ Swann and Florida's Graham Mertz.

Thorne finished an accomplished quarterback at Michigan State, setting single-season records for total yards, total touchdowns and passing touchdowns. He ranks fifth in career total touchdowns, fifth in career total yards, fourth in career passing touchdowns and third in single-season passing yards.

He's not a dazzling arm talent but was excellent attacking downfield in his two seasons with the Spartans. He's a great system fit for Freeze and Montgomery.

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