Auburn's Hugh Freeze talks progression of wide receivers Perry Thompson and Sam Turner

USA Today

10-04-2025

Auburn's Hugh Freeze talks progression of wide receivers Perry Thompson and Sam Turner Freeze says that Thompson is working to earn valuable reps at wide receiver this spring.
Early signs of spring practice point to Auburn's wide receiver group being the most talented and competitive room on offense.
In his final press conference before Saturday's A-Day at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze discussed many aspects of the Tigers' spring practice period, which included an in-depth discussion about wide receivers. Freeze says that the room is "talented and deep" and is ready for several other pieces, including Derrick and Eric Smith, to join the team this summer to cut down on the wear and tear that players such as Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons are experiencing this spring.
On an individual level, Freeze spoke highly of sophomore Perry Thompson and his progression through the spring. Thompson, Auburn's No. 3 signee of the 2024 recruiting cycle and a prominent member of the "Freeze Four" saw limited reps last season. In nine games, Thompson caught five of 12 targeted passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. A bulk of his stats came in Auburn's season-opening win over Alabama A&M, where he caught two passes for 82 yards and a score. Since that game, he caught just three passes for 44 yards.
Freeze says that Thompson has taken a giant step forward in development this spring, and he is excited for Thompson' could turn into's potential.
'Perry is starting to mature, as is Malcolm (Simmons) Some of these younger guys that didn't really understand how you have to practice and prepare. He still has his moments of inconsistency, but it's much better, and he's flashing some. He flashed today in the one-on-ones and had an incredible catch in one of the team periods. I'm excited about what he can become but still have to stay on, and let's learn how to compete every single play. It can't be just two out of three. We've got to do every single one the right way. The thing about that room is they demand it, because competitiveness in there is high, and you're going to earn your right to get those reps."
Auburn signed three high school receivers last cycle, with only one joining the team this spring. Sam Turner, a three-star receiver from Atlanta, Georgia, has made a quick splash in the short time he has been on campus. Freeze has already drawn up the role that Turner could have on the team this season.
'(Turner's) going to be dynamic, and he's added great depth to us on the outside and able to give some breaks to Cam (Coleman) and Perry (Thompson) and Horatio (Fields) for sure. For a freshman, he's sharp, he picks it up."
Auburn finished No. 4 in the SEC last season in pass efficiency with a 151.53 rating, and No. 6 in passing yards with 263.9 per game, and will surely see an uptick this season. Auburn has overhauled its quarterback room with Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold and talented true freshman Deuce Knight. Several key receivers return, including Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons, while transfers Eric Singleton and Horatio Fields join the team to add experience and depth.
Fans will get the first opportunity to see Auburn's revamped passing game on Saturday during the A-Day game, featuring a new "practice-style" format. A-Day is set to begin at 1 p.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The event will not be televised or streamed this year, however, admission for fans will be free.
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