Zach Calzada reveals former offensive coordinator Austin Davis was behind Auburn transfer
Although the plan failed, Bryan Harsin knew he needed a new starting quarterback heading into Year Two — bringing two in from the NCAA transfer portal. Zach Calzada was one from Texas A&M, hoping to compete for the starting job alongside fellow transfer Robby Ashford and the incumbent TJ Finley. However, a shoulder injury kept Calzada out for the entire season.
Calzada is now continuing his career elsewhere and is reportedly planning on transferring to Incarnate Word. He was on the Plains for a short time, spending just one season with Auburn and leading a fan on Twitter to ask why he even joined the program.
Short lived offensive coordinator Austin Davis was the answer provided by the quarterback. He was hired by Harsin as well before leaving the program before the season began.
“Austin Davis for those wondering,” Calzada said.
Davis was hired by Auburn in December 2021 to be the program’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Harsin was able to lure him away from the NFL, as Davis was a member of the Seattle Seahawks’ staff as the QB coach. He would have been working directly with Calzada and hoping to continue the transfer’s development.
However, Davis stepped down on Jan. 31, 2022 and got out of the coaching world. According to his Twitter account, he spent some time in the fall broadcasting Southern Miss games. Davis played in college football in Hattiesburg.
With Davis leaving before Calzada ever took a snap in practice, he was out of the program. And now, with Hugh Freeze taking over at Auburn, Calzada is looking for new opportunities.
Zach Calzada ‘plans’ to transfer to Incarnate Word
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, quarterback Zach Calzada ‘plans’ on transferring to Incarnate Word. He has previously spent time in the SEC, playing for both the Auburn Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies.
Calzada played hero during the 2021 season, helping Texas A&M defeat Alabama in College Station. He then moved across the SEC West to work with head coach Bryan Harsin. However, Calzada did not play a snap for the Tigers due to a shoulder injury.
Calzada played high school football at Buford (GA) Lanier, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 430 overall recruit in the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.