Bryan Harsin reveals origin of Auburn Top Gun video

On3 imageby:Justin Rudolph08/09/22

The Auburn Tigers kicked off their fall camp with an ode to one of the legendary films of the 80’s: Top Gun. While there were plenty of hype videos by other teams to signal the start of their fall camp, Auburn chose to do the short film below to open up their practices. And during a recent interview, Tigers head coach Bryan Harsin revealed the origin of the video, providing a little more substance to it for fans.

“Yeah, we had a couple of hours on our hands to do that. Everybody talks about the QB competition, so we embrace it a little bit,” said Harsin. “The guys did a good job. Just having a little bit of fun going to the camp. I think that’s one thing that we lose too, in this season, that we’re about to play in; there’s a lot that goes into it. There’s a lot of training and for those guys, and our players in particular, (we’re) just having a little bit of fun.”

For the Tigers, a short film was a way to bring their quarterback room closer together while having some fun in the process. As Auburn prepares for the start of the 2022 season; the video was meant to generate comradery with both coaches and players alike.

“We enjoy doing it, and they had some fun with it. They got to see the actual scene, so they saw that. But also just being with those guys, too; like the coaches and the quarterbacks. Having a chance to be together right before we’re going to go out there and get into this storm was part of the idea behind that.

Harsin weighs in on the Auburn quarterback situation

Harsin appeared in front of media Tuesday after a practice session, where he discussed the ongoing quarterback battle among other topics. The Tigers coach started off by complimenting Texas A&M transfer Zach Calzada for his performance in fall camp.

“I think he’s done well. Today was a good day for him,” Harsin said of Calzada. “I thought his footwork was good and he threw the ball well. Like everybody else, he had a sense of urgency on the field. That’s where our quarterbacks each and every day, they’ve gotta show up and have great days because if they don’t the rest of us really feel that. So there’s really no days off for our quarterbacks. Today was one of our more consistent days from the QBs. Still not what it needs to be, but it was more consistent than what it’s been from all those guys.”

Calzada took over as the starter for A&M last season after Haynes King suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2. He went on to 2,189 yards, 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions while also leading the Aggies to an upset of then-No. 1 Alabama. But while he brings the most starting experience, he also faces fierce competition in the form of returning junior TJ Finley and Oregon transfer Robby Ashford.