Future Forward: The OffenseFuture Forward: The Offense

Future Forward: The Offense

by Shelly Poe

AUBURN, Ala. – Much like the transition in the classroom from high school instruction to college-level courses, the transition has been challenging but rewarding for several Auburn freshmen who have become prominent first-year contributors on the Tiger offense this season.

They’ve gotten expert assistance not only from their coaches but also from the older veterans on the team. 

“The best thing to me has been learning from my older guys like Dre (KeAndre Lambert-Smith) and Robert (Lewis),” Perry Thompson says of his mentors in the wide receiver room.”

Thompson, who has 126 yards receiving and a score this season, adds, “Coming in, I didn’t really know too much about all the details of football, but learning from them and picking up on the things they do has been great training for me.”

Offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner, who has made four starts at guard this season, is also appreciative of “my teammates and what they pour into me.” 

“I’ve had to get more mature mentally and physically and they have shown me how to do that,” Joiner said. 

“A bunch of the older guys have taken me under their wing coming here,” added fellow offensive lineman DeAndre Carter. “The jump from high school to college is real! Adjusting to everything like strength, speed, pace and learning the calls – it’s helped me grow and get my technique down. I’m still growing and I’m adjusting to school, too. I’m learning a lot.”

“I had been told by a bunch of my kicking mentors that you may think you’re ready physically and technique-wise, but maturity and mindset are where you have to grow,” says placekicker Towns McGough, who has been a perfect 27 of 27 on point-after attempts and added 42 points to the Tiger scoring ledger this season. 

“It’s not easy, but you made the choice to play college football, so you learn that it’s your responsibility to put in the work to train and perform no matter what,” said wide receiver Cam Coleman, who has 30 catches for 520 yards and seven touchdowns.

“Having to grow up and focus on what you have to do has been the biggest adjustment for me,” offensive lineman Tyler Johnson, with one start this season, explained. “But it’s also been the best part –the grind – pushing toward a goal and getting there.”

Those freshman efforts have also come with memorable rewards and experiences so early in their college careers. 

“What I’ve loved is bonding with my teammates and getting to know things about football at this level,” said wide receiver Malcolm Simmons, who shows 36 receptions for 417 yards and three touchdowns, as well as contributions on special teams. “I’ve learned to take coaching and listen to the advice of my older brothers on the team. I’m a freshman, so going out and having people challenge me so I can be great the next year has been great.”

But the best part of being an Auburn Tiger is that up-close connection with the Auburn Family.

“Playing the home games with all the atmosphere and our fans has been amazing,” Coleman said. “I thought I knew, but it’s even been beyond what I thought.”

“That crazy experience with our fans – I’ve never experienced anything like it.” said Carter, who came to the Plains from California. “That plus making such a connection with my brothers on the field has been amazing.”

“The best thing, especially here, is that I grew up here as a fan in the stands, and now I’m so blessed to get to play,” added McGough, an Auburn product. 

“The absolute best part of college is the fans, and I love our fans!” said wide receiver Bryce Cain, who has a pair of receptions while redshirting this season. “War Eagle!”

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