Philip Montgomery evaluates Auburn's ongoing QB competition

One of the more intriguing quarterback competitions in the SEC is at Auburn. Robby Ashford is battling transfer Payton Thorne for the keys to Hugh Freeze’s offense as training camp begins, and Philip Montgomery said things are going well.

Ashford appeared in 12 games last year, throwing for 1,613 yards and rushing for 710 yards to total 14 touchdowns. But by landing Thorne from Michigan State, Freeze brought in someone with big-time starting experience in the Big Ten. He threw for 3,232 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2021 before totaling 2,679 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2022.

In the early stages of camp, Montgomery said he’s happy with where both QBs are.

“I’ve been pleased with their progression and what they’re doing,” Montgomery said. “I think they’re understanding what we’re trying to do offensively a little bit more, especially the little unique parts of it. We’ve still got a long way to go before we figure out who’s going to be our starting quarterback. But I think all of them have shown flashes. We’ve got to be a little more consistent.

“I think we’re doing a better job of making sure that our eyes are getting in the right spot and getting our reads from that standpoint. I’ve been pleased on the last couple of days, especially on our RPO games, how they’re taking advantage of some opportunities when those present themselves.”

Montgomery also detailed he’s looking beyond Ashford and Thorne’s ability to throw the ball. There are plenty intangibles that come with playing the position, and that’s a big part of the Auburn staff’s evaluations.

That’s why Montgomery said it’s about seeing how each player handles camp as a whole. While it’ll be a day-to-day evaluation, he’s looking at how each player improves with each passing day.

“There’s so many factors that go in to being a quarterback,” Montgomery said. “It’s not just about the way you’re throwing it or hitting a deep ball or working through your progression. There’s the leadership side of it. You’ve got to control all of those factors. We’re still a long ways to go before we figure out who that’s going to be.

“But I like the progression that we’re making and the progress that we’re making. We’ve just to continue to keep doing that each and every day.”

Auburn will officially kick off the Freeze era Sept. 2 when UMass comes to Jordan-Hare Stadium.