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Auburn Football: Breaking down Tigers’ QB battle for 2019

By Steven Hamner

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers talks to his quarterback, Jarrett Stidham #8, prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers talks to his quarterback, Jarrett Stidham #8, prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 24: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers passes against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 24: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers passes against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Could Joey Gatewood replace Jarrett Stidham?

It’s no secret that Auburn’s offense last year did not live up to expectations, that included NFL draft pick Jarrett Sitdham. He had NFL talent written all over him and he had all the tools that an NFL team is looking for, which is why the Patriots took him in the fourth round.

For whatever reason, though, Auburn’s offense could never really take off last year, as Gus Malzahn’s offense may not have been the best fit for someone like Stidham. While there is plenty of blame to go around for last year’s offensive struggles, Stidham was still an NFL talent and still led Auburn to several wins that they wouldn’t have gotten if he wasn’t under center (Washington/Texas A&M).

Joey Gatewood, who will be a redshirt freshman, will be looking to be the next quarterback at Auburn. He has gotten some comparisons to Cam Newton, mainly cause of his size, as he is 6-5 and 233 pounds. He obviously has the size you want in a quarterback, but is also an athletic guy under center who can beat you with his arm and legs.

Gatewood threw and rushed for over 1,000 yards his senior year in high school and according to 247 Sports, he was a four-star recruit.

Below is a clip from Auburn’s 2019 spring game of Gatewood throwing a touchdown. It was a great catch by the wide receiver, but he does a good job of giving his guy a chance to come down with it.

The offense could have the highest ceiling with Gatewood under center.

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