Auburn QB Hank Brown throws a landing in opposition to New Mexico, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Picture/Butch Dill)
As Auburn (2-1) readies itself for the beginning of the faculty soccer gauntlet generally known as SEC convention play, it seems as if the Tigers could have discovered their quarterback of the long run.
Redshirt freshman Hank Brown was given the beginning in opposition to New Mexico final Saturday, the primary begin of his collegiate profession, and he completely impressed in Auburn’s 45-19 victory.
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Brown accomplished 17 of his 25 passing makes an attempt for 235 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. Certainly one of his two third-quarter landing passes got here when he rolled out of the pocket and, beneath heavy strain, rifled a pass to tight end Micah Riley behind the tip zone.
Beginning quick within the 2nd Half 🎯@Hankb_15 + @micah_r_d = 6️⃣ https://t.co/DhWzCDAMd1 pic.twitter.com/ZhBsDPaEwb
— Auburn Soccer (@AuburnFootball) September 15, 2024
Brown was interviewed on the sphere by ESPN moments after the sport, and as a substitute of speaking about himself main his crew to a win in his first profession begin, he pointed to his Heavenly Father.
“Actually, to God be all of the glory,” he said. “Our (crew’s) theme this week was, ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ and it means, ‘God will get all of the glory.’”
It’s a Latin phrase that grew to become a central chorus of the Protestant Reformation. Brown continued: “Going into this recreation, it’s particular as a result of all the pieces that we’ve got is a present from God. So I simply need to give Him the glory.”
.@Hankb_15 tonight ↓
🎯 17/25 · 235 passing yards
🎯 4 touchdowns pic.twitter.com/3Afd5z0Ufi— Auburn Soccer (@AuburnFootball) September 15, 2024
In his press convention following the sport in opposition to New Mexico, second-year Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze had already determined to name Brown as the starter for Auburn’s SEC opener at dwelling in opposition to Arkansas (2-1) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
A local of Nashville, Brown performed highschool soccer for former Super Bowl-winning quarterback Trent Dilfer at Lipscomb Academy. Brown was used sparingly as a junior, however he dedicated to Liberty College when Freeze was the top coach there. Following a breakout senior season by which he led Lipscomb to a state championship, Brown was persuaded by Freeze — Auburn’s new head coach — to change his dedication to the Tigers.
“I’ve all the time felt like he had this ‘it issue’ to him as a person,” Freeze told AL.com on Monday. “… I’ve all the time had this sort of sneaking perception that he had one thing to him, and now we’re on the point of discover out at what degree.”
Brown was a real freshman final season and made his solely look in Auburn’s 31-13 loss to Maryland within the Music Metropolis Bowl, finishing seven of 9 passes for 132 yards. He was named the backup to start 2024, but after Payton Thorne struggled in Auburn’s Week 2 loss to California, Freeze made the change to Brown.
Freeze found true forgiveness within the grace of God after a collection of ethical failures led to his firing at Ole Miss, and since his return to teaching with Liberty in 2019, he has closely integrated his religion into the best way he’s managed his groups.
Freeze’s unashamed reliance on God’s grace and the faith-based program he runs are two of the elements that made Brown need to play for Freeze. The 2 share not solely a love for soccer but additionally a deep-rooted religion in Jesus.
Brown sports activities a tattoo on his right biceps which cites the Bible verse Acts 20:24, which reads, “Nevertheless, I contemplate my life price nothing to me; my solely intention is to complete the race and full the duty the Lord Jesus has given me — the duty of testifying to the excellent news of God’s grace.”
Brown cites the identical verse in his Instagram bio, whereas in his X bio he cites Jeremiah 29:11.
“I attempt to hold my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the heart of my life, and it’s one thing that correlates into my total life,” Brown stated a 12 months in the past on the “Locked On Auburn” podcast. “So far as soccer goes, I’m taking part in soccer and God’s put me on this state of affairs to glorify and honor Him and to make use of my platform to do this.
“It is a nice alternative to pour into my teammates. Any reward or glory that I get, it’s not me. God has blessed me with what I’ve.”
With Freeze’s blessing, Brown took the lead final 12 months as a real freshman in starting a crew Bible research, and he’s been thrilled with the Christian mentors he’s surrounded himself with round campus and across the Tigers’ locker room.
“No. 1 for me is my religion and all the pieces correlates round that,” Brown stated on the podcast. “That’s an enormous a part of my life, and I’m attempting to exemplify that — love others the best way that Jesus loves.”
With the beginning of SEC competitors on Saturday, Brown can have his finest alternative but to exemplify the love of Christ on a nationwide degree. He can play freely, realizing his everlasting future is safe perpetually in his Father’s arms.
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