Hugh Freeze breaks down what he expects from transfer Jalen McLeod
Hugh Freeze is expecting big things from one of Auburn‘s big fish out of the NCAA Transfer Portal in outside linebacker Jalen McLeod.
The Tigers landed the former Appalachian State star earlier in May, and he’s ready to take the SEC by storm. Speaking with the media, Freeze broke down how he thinks McLeod will fit in with Auburn.
“Incredible pass rusher, which we need desperately,” started Freeze, via AL.com. “Toughness. Plays the game hard. High motor. Really excited about Jalen.”
Moreover, it’s fair for Freeze to expect a lot out of McLeod. Over the last three seasons with the Mountaineers, the linebacker has shown he can get the job done at a high level. Last season was his best statistical year, accumulating 40 total tackles and 6.0 sacks on the season.
Additionally, McLeod played high school football at Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington D.C., where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 2066 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Hugh Freeze attacked the transfer portal, and it paid off in a big way ahead of his first season on the job, as Auburn faithful can’t wait to see Jalen McLeod on the field.
Hugh Freeze breaks down why he wanted to add Payton Thorne to quarterback room
Meanwhile, Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers are elated to have landed former Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne via the NCAA Transfer Portal.
It was a great get for Freeze’s first season on the job, as he added to a talented quarterback room that already included incumbent starting quarterback Robby Ashford. While Freeze has been complimentary of Ashford since getting to Auburn, he believes the addition of Thorne will help exponentially, as he explained while speaking to the media.
“His leadership, his experience, his toughness and his football IQ,” explained Freeze. “I just think he’s won football games in a very good conference. I think it elevates that room. I’ve said it’s all about competition, and again I want to say I’m excited about Robby. I’m excited about Holden Geriner.
“I just look forward to that competition that’s going to make us all better if handled the right way. So I think it definitely improved us.”
Evidently, Ashford shares the same sentiment, as he tweeted “Iron sharpens iron” after the news broke regarding his new teammate. Whether it’s Ashford or Thorne leading the Tigers, Freeze believes they’ll make each other better.
On3’s Kaiden Smith contributed to this article.