McPherson back with team after grueling offseason

One of Auburn’s most effective players, Alex McPherson, has dealt with a non-injury related issue ahead of his third year as Auburn’s starting kicker. 

Hugh Freeze alluded earlier this offseason that McPherson was dealing with an issue related to his gastro-intestines and that he had been working to get through it. 

Less than two weeks away from kickoff, special team’s coordinator, Tanner Burns, mentioned that McPherson is back with the team and working to get back in game playing form. 

“He’s doing well,” said Burns. “Obviously, you know, it’s a slow process to get him to where he is at now. But I think he weighs a little bit over 140 lbs now, so he’s gaining weight. He’ starting to kick, kind of amped it up this week.” 

Not only is getting McPherson back exciting news for results on the field but having him back around the team has been pivotal for the special teams' room as a whole. 

“The personality that we’re used to him having has shown up more and more, and it’s been great for those younger guys in the room to have his veteran presence. 

“They all respect him as a player, and when he says something that holds weight,” Burns said. 

McPherson, a Lou Groza Award semifinalist in 2023, is backed up by true freshman walk-on kicker Towns McGough. McGough was the Tigers special teams A-Day MVP in the spring and ended his stellar performance with a 58-yarder on the final play from scrimmage. 

“To get a guy like that as your number two kicker - and you feel comfortable about him being the number one guy – I feel like we’ve got the two best kickers in the country,” Burns said. “Those guys are the most talented group I’ve ever had in my history of coaching.” 

The Tigers will open their season on Saturday, Aug. 31 against Alabama A&M with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. CST. The game will be streamed on ESPN+/SECN+.