Alex McPherson Heading into the offseason, redshirt freshman Alex McPherson seemed like a lock for Auburn’s starting kicker role. In the 2023 season, McPherson was flawless, making all 40 extra points and hitting 13 of 13 field goals, including a long of 53 yards.
However, after battling a gastrointestinal illness throughout the offseason, McPherson’s availability for the start of the season is still uncertain.
On the bright side, McPherson appears to be on the mend. Auburn’s special teams coordinator, Tanner Burns, reported on Wednesday that McPherson is making progress, although it’s been a gradual recovery. After significant weight loss, McPherson is starting to regain his weight and is now over 140 pounds. He has also resumed kicking practice.
Burns noted that McPherson is gradually increasing his practice intensity and is starting to look like his old self. In McPherson’s absence, the Tigers have turned to true freshman Towns McGough, an Auburn native. Initially expected to redshirt behind McPherson, McGough’s future role could change depending on McPherson’s recovery timeline.
McGough, who joined the team in January, impressed during Auburn’s A-Day spring game with a perfect 7-for-7 performance, including a game-winning 58-yard field goal. While Burns admits McGough hasn’t been flawless in fall camp, he has shown efficiency where it counts, finishing at around 78% overall and a perfect 100% from 40 yards and closer.
If McPherson’s return is delayed, McGough might be the one to take the field for the season’s opening kicks. Burns expressed confidence in McGough’s abilities, stating that having him as the No. 2 kicker and potentially the No. 1 is a strong position for the team.
By