Former Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford had some strong criticism for his former coach, Hugh Freeze.
Former Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford has hinted that Hugh Freeze was not entirely honest with him during their time at Auburn. After excelling as a quarterback at Hoover High School in Alabama, Ashford initially went west to join the Oregon Ducks in 2020. However, he spent two seasons there without seeing any game action before transferring back home to play for Bryan Harsin and the Auburn Tigers.
Following Harsin’s firing after the 2022 season, Freeze took over as head coach. Freeze brought in former Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne through the transfer portal, who eventually won the starting job, despite Ashford having been with the team the previous year.
Fast forward to 2024, and Ashford has since transferred to the South Carolina Gamecocks to play under head coach Shane Beamer. Recently, Ashford has had some strong words for his former coach, Hugh Freeze.
What did Robby Ashford say about Hugh Freeze?
In an article by Joseph Griffin on SI.com, Ashford appeared to praise certain coaches like Harsin and Beamer but notably left out Freeze.
“The only real opportunity I’ve had from a coach who said there would be competition and followed through was with Bryan Harsin during my first year at Auburn,” Ashford stated. “I respect him a lot for that. When I talked to Coach Beamer, he said many of the same things that Harsin did, and I believed him. I thought, ‘Maybe this isn’t just empty promises like a lot of coaches make.’”
It’s possible Ashford was referring to Mario Cristobal instead of, or in addition to, Freeze, as Cristobal coached Ashford during his first two seasons in Eugene. However, given Ashford’s limited experience, it’s unlikely he was talking about Cristobal when he mentioned coaches who were “blowing smoke.” This leaves Freeze as the most probable target of his remarks.
Why did Robby Ashford eluded to Hugh Freeze not being honest with him?
It’s hard to understand why Ashford referenced Freeze blowing smoke in his remarks, as we weren’t privy to any private conversations that might have occurred. However, Ashford did have opportunities to demonstrate his abilities in live game situations for the Tigers in 2023.
Freeze not only gave Ashford chances in specific packages but also started him at quarterback during the Ole Miss game last season. In that game, Ashford completed 3 of 4 passes for 22 yards and rushed eight times for 27 yards.
Throughout the season, Ashford was frequently utilized in package plays, mainly as a runner for the Tigers. He recorded five rushing touchdowns during the season.
These stats weren’t impressive enough to secure Ashford a long-term position as quarterback. Therefore, his recent comments against his former coach seem somewhat unwarranted.
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