Hank Brown, a redshirt freshman, will start at quarterback for Auburn in their forthcoming Week 3 matchup against the New Mexico Lobos. Following quarterback Payton Thorne’s subpar performance against the California Golden Bears in the previous game, head coach Hugh Freeze made the choice. Four interceptions during Thorne’s struggle resulted in his replacement.
It makes sense to start Brown against the Lobos in anticipation of the Tigers’ first SEC game against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Brown may maintain his starting spot with a successful showing, which would provide him invaluable experience and confidence for the more difficult SEC slate that lies ahead.
Freeze first recruited Brown, a three-star prospect who On3 currently ranks 55th among quarterbacks in the 2023 class, when he was still at Liberty. In the previous year’s Music City Bowl, Brown had a strong performance, completing 7 of 9 passes for 132 yards, including a noteworthy 53-yard completion.
Though he faces competition from scholarship quarterbacks with higher rankings, such as Holden Geriner and Walker White, Brown’s steady practice work has earned him the starting job. His decision has been influenced by his intelligent approach and composed manner, as discussed in a podcast from January.
A major contributor to Brown’s growth has been his perspective, which emphasizes his identity outside of football. He is poised to have a big effect as Auburn advances in the season thanks to his enhanced abilities and superior surrounding cast.
