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Hugh Freeze spoke to the media on Monday to preview an upcoming matchup with the Missouri Tigers. In doing so, the Auburn football coach attempted to highlight the incredible job Eli Drinkwitz has done with his program in Columbia.
Unfortunately, many in CoMo have taken his comments as a jab at the talent on Missouri’s roster. It will undoubtedly provide the Tigers with bulletin board material this weekend!
Recruiting in the SEC is a difficult game for those lacking a “big name.” Teams not named Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Texas can find themselves at an immediate disadvantage on the trail.
Not only do they have to sell prospects on the strength of their programs, but they have to provide a vision of “what could be” as opposed to “what’s already been.”
Throw in new NIL demands, and the task of reeling in top-ranked talent can prove arduous.
Missouri is a school with no claimed national championships and no Heisman trophy winners. Selling the dream is a part of Eli Drinkwitz’s job.
He’s done well despite the lack of accolades, most recently leading the Tigers to an 11-2 output in 2023.
Hugh Freeze applauded the coaching of his soon-to-be foe while previewing Saturday’s matchup against Missouri. Here’s what he had to say.
“I know everybody has their rankings of coaches… The better talent you have, the better coach you are, for sure,” the head coach said. “To me, some of the better coaching jobs are done with those ‘lesser rosters’ in recruiting… I think Eli has done an incredible job.”
It wasn’t meant as a jab. In fact, he was complimenting someone he calls a friend within the conference.
That doesn’t mean the Tigers won’t twist the words into disrespect!
For what it’s worth, Missouri has recorded recruiting classes outside the Top 20 in four of Drinkwitz’s five seasons at the helm, according to 247 Sports. Last year was the coach’s first winning campaign with the Tigers, though he’s headed for another in 2024.
Hugh Freeze credited the Missouri leader for doing more with less while noting that his school has given him the time needed to successfully build his roster, his way.
Still, should Auburn lose on Saturday in CoMo, you’ll be sure to see this comment resurface!