Cole Cubelic: Deuce Knight not a 'viable possibility' for Auburn starting quarterback

Hugh Freeze pulled off a massive recruiting win during the 2024 cycle, landing quarterback Deuce Knight. Folks on the Plains are already big fans of him as well, wondering when he will get to see the field. And with Auburn not having officially named anyone the starter yet, the question looms.

Cole Cubelic knows of the talent Knight possesses, having the potential to be a great player. However, the SEC Network analyst does not see Knight as a “viable possibility” to become Auburn’s starter this season. Freeze needs somebody with experience to be out there and even at the backup position.

“Uber talented, has the ability to be a gigantic playmaker,” Cubelic said Tuesday via The Paul Finebaum Show. “But I think the experience is just not there and he’s not quite ready yet. There’s a reason they brought Ashton Daniels in from Stanford, who’s actually played, who’s actually been a starter. If things don’t get reset or rewired for Jackson Arnold, could be a really nice stopgap until [Knight] is prepared.

“I’ve talked to multiple people in recruiting who say ‘Listen, he’s still raw. He’s not ready to go be a collegiate starter just yet. Doesn’t mean he won’t be great.’ But I don’t look at him being a viable possibility this season.”

Knight played high school football at Lucedale (MS) George County, where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 25 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

For the longest time, Notre Dame held Knight’s commitment. Once opening things back up, Auburn was in a heated battle with Ole Miss to land the quarterback’s signature. Obviously, the Tigers won the race and are thrilled to have him on campus.

However, Cubelic is pumping the brakes a little bit, at least for the short term. He knows there is a lot of potential with Knight and the recruiting rankings show as such. However, his impact will come later down the road as development continues under Freeze.

When Auburn takes the field on Aug. 29 against Baylor, Arnold is more than likely going to be the starter. Daniels is just now getting on campus after finishing required work at Stanford. Even so, everyone will continue to talk about Knight because of the high ceiling he possesses. Not a bad overall situation to be in.