Auburn Tigers 2015 Spring Game Preview: Five things to watch for
By Logan Shaw
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
4. Jeremy Johnson’s job to lose?
Auburn Tigers will feature a new starting quarterback for the first time in two years with Nick Marshall out of eligibility and trying to find a home in the NFL.
Many teams struggle to find their new starting quarterback before the fall, and with a surplus of talent at the position, Auburn will hope to find their guy, quick.
The most obvious and best choice, is junior quarterback, Jeremy Johnson and the job is really his to lose at this point. Johnson has starting experience, including last year’s season opener against Arkansas when Marshall was suspended and fared well, especially with D’haquille Williams as his favorite target.
In his two seasons as the team’s backup, Johnson completed 73 percent of his 78 passes, while tossing nine touchdowns and only a pair of interceptions. Johnson’s frame has drawn comparison to former Auburn quarterback, Cam Newton. Johnson is less of a runner than Newton was at Auburn, but his big arm and body draws much similarity to the former Heisman trophy winner.
Auburn has three other quarterbacks on the roster entering spring practice: Jason Smith, Tyler Queen, and Tucker Tuberville, son of former Auburn head coach, Tommy Tuberville.
Johnson will be the starter but keep on the other signal-callers as they vie for the backup spot.
Next: Emerging Wide Receivers