Auburn OC Eric Kiesau gives QB competition update, breaks down performances in Friday scrimmage
Just over two weeks from the season opener, Auburn has yet to name their starting quarterback. Head coach Brian Harsin and offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau are going through the process thoroughly, making sure the right decision is made. One of Robby Ashford, Zach Calzada, or TJ Finley will lead the Tigers onto the field against Mercer.
After having a scrimmage on Friday, Kiesau was asked if he could name a starting quarterback. After saying no, he said he needed to go back to watch the tape to see how the three played. However, Kiesau said when the time comes, the decision will be “hard” for him and Harsin.
“I know it’s the popular topic and everybody wants to know but to be quite honest, I haven’t even watched the film yet,” said Kiesau. “Got to go back, study, and make sure we make the best decision right now. It’s going to be a hard one, I can tell you that right now. They’ve all played pretty well and we have to see who’s going to step out in front a little bit after tonight.”
Eric Kiesau evaluates all three Auburn quarterbacks
Kiesau was asked how the reps were split up, saying Ashford, Calzada, and Finley all got the same opportunities. He then went down the line with how each guy was doing, having the most positive thing to say about Finley. The Auburn offensive coordinator also enjoys how Ashford is developing as a quarterback, not just an athletic player.
“They all took reps,” Kiesau stated. “We rotated them through evenly for that reason. We wanted to give them a fair opportunity to go with the ones, the twos, and the threes. I need to watch the film to really evaluate it. My feel, my gut was TJ had really good command. He had a lot of precision. He checked some plays for us and got us in the right play. Robby is obviously flashy, can run around. He’s doing a better job of just maturing the position. He’s really athletic and can really run but he’s starting to play the quarterback position, which is important.
As for Calzada, Kiesau admitted the quarterback has been a rollercoaster at times. The Texas A&M transfer needs to be a bit more consistent as all three quarterbacks prepare for the season opener.
“Zach, we got to keep bringing him along. He’s been intertwined with all of our groups. First, second, third team. He has good days and bad days, but keeping him consistent as we go through. I think that’s kind of push for all these quarterbacks, getting ready to move into Mercer.
More encouraging comments on TJ Finley flood in
Kiesau took more time to discuss the presumed incumbent and how he’s progressed throughout fall camp. Finley has looked good according to his offensive coordinator, saying there is a confidence to the quarterback.
“He’s been really good,” Kiesau said. “He’s kind of tabbed as the older player because he was in the system last year. So he has a different command, he has a different confidence about him when he’s at the huddle or line of scrimmage running the plays. I’m excited. TJ has a lot of ability and he’s a smart football player. Football is important to him. I think you’ll kind of see that on Saturdays, really do.”