Auburn Freshman QB Walker White Impresses Coaching Staff in Fall Camp

Despite not carrying the same level of hype as top receivers Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson, freshman quarterback Walker White is emerging as a critical asset for Auburn's 2024 recruiting class.

Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, White entered Auburn with impressive credentials. The four-star prospect was rated as the fifth-best quarterback and the 41st overall player in the nation by 247Sports.

"Walker White is destined for greatness," Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze remarked on signing day. "He possesses all the qualities you want in a quarterback."

White wasted no time getting acclimated to Auburn, enrolling early and participating in spring camp ahead of his freshman season.

Now, a week into fall camp, Freeze remains enthusiastic about White's potential.

"Walker has been exceptional in 7-on-7 drills," Freeze shared on Friday.

While White is still refining certain aspects of his game, his natural abilities are already evident.

"The pace of the game is a bit quick for him in full 11-on-11 scenarios," Freeze explained. "But when it comes to 7-on-7 drills, where he understands the routes, he’s really shining."

Quarterbacks coach Kent Austin echoed Freeze’s sentiments, highlighting White's physical attributes.

"He's incredibly talented physically—big, strong, with a great arm and natural accuracy. He’s also got the ability to escape trouble when needed," Austin said.

However, Austin also emphasized the importance of White mastering the technical side of the game as he continues to develop.

"Physical skills alone won't make you a successful quarterback," Austin noted. "You need to truly understand the position, become a student of the game, and grasp defensive strategies just as well as a defensive coordinator would."

White’s mobility, combined with his 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame, sets him apart from many other quarterbacks. His attention to detail is another trait that impresses the coaching staff.

"He’s eager to understand every aspect of the game, almost to a fault," Austin commented.

While Payton Thorne is set as the starting quarterback, White finds himself in a competitive quarterback room, battling for the backup spot. Hank Brown and Holden Geriner are leading the race, but White continues to make his case as fall camp progresses.

"We’ll have a clearer picture once we get into live periods and scrimmages," Austin said. "That’s when we’ll see how well they process information, make decisions, and deliver accurate passes under real game conditions."