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Auburn Tigers fans are calling for a QB change following a home loss to Cal. In that matchup, starter Payton Thorne threw four interceptions to help the Golden Bears leave Jordan-Hare Stadium with a 21-14 upset.
Reserve signal caller Hank Brown appears ready to cash in on the suggested opportunity. He posted a perfectly timed NIL plug with his name trending on social media.
Brown is a redshirt freshman, and the next man up in the Tigers‘ quarterback room. The 6-foot-4 youngster was viewed as a three-star prospect upon signing with Hugh Freeze in 2022, and he’s performed admirably in mop-up duty over the last two seasons.
He saw action in last year’s Music City Bowl against Maryland, going 7-of-9 for 132 yards in a 31-13 loss.
Brown’s number was again called in a season opening win over Alabama A&M as he completed 3-of-5 attempts with two going for touchdowns.
To this point, Hugh Freeze insists that he’s not making a change. Payton Thorne will be QB1 when the Tigers take the field against New Mexico in Week 3.
“It’s really hard for me to not play a young man that consistently is the best performer in practice… His performance and his understanding of what we want to do has been better than the others.”
-Hugh Freeze on his QB situation
That didn’t stop Brown from capitalizing on attention he’s been receiving amidst Thorne’s struggles!
The passer took to X to post a link guiding Auburn fans to his personal NIL page on Tuesday.
Hey Auburn Family!
For as low as $17/month, you can support me directly when you sign-up using the link in my bio. Support me in my journey with Auburn Athletics and be part of our success. 🏆
Your support means everything to us. Let’s make this season unforgettable! War Eagle! pic.twitter.com/YcZiiYj6iA
— Hank Brown (@Hankb_15) September 10, 2024
The timing is interesting!
Hugh Freeze isn’t pulling the trigger on a QB change just yet. That could certainly change should Thorne continue to perform poorly come SEC play.
Hank Brown isn’t waiting on that QB1 tag to start campaigning for support within the Auburn fanbase. He’s hoping to cash in!