Auburn Football: 2015 Spring Practice Preview

Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jeremy Johnson (6) passes the ball during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

Returning Starters: None

Returning Players: Jeremy Johnson (Jr.), Sean White (RFr.), Jonathan Wallace (Sr.)

Newcomers: Jason Smith (JC/EE), Tyler Queen (Fr./EE)

Departures: Nick Marshall (Sr.)

It’s never easy to replace a two-year starter at quarterback, especially one as productive as Nick Marshall. During his junior and senior seasons at Auburn, Marshall threw for a combined 4,508 yards, 34 touchdowns and 13 touchdowns and added 1,866 yards and 23 TDs on the ground and led the Tigers to the 2013 SEC Championship and a spot in the national title game. Simply put, it’s one of the best careers ever by an Auburn quarterback, statistically speaking.

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However, with rising junior Jeremy Johnson in the fold, the Tigers should have a smooth transition – even if Johnson isn’t technically the starter yet.

“The first day, he’ll take the first reps, but every position is going to be open,” Gus Malzahn said early last week following Auburn’s Pro Day. “That’s the great thing about spring. We’re going to put the ball down, let guys compete. You know, we’ve got a bunch of young, inexperienced guys that we think are going to be very good football players, but in the spring, that’s when you evaluate everything and give everybody a chance to compete for positions.”

He’ll compete with redshirt freshman Sean White, but don’t be surprised if Johnson is officially named the starter by A-Day.

Next: Running Backs