SEC Football: Each team's top Heisman Trophy candidate for 2019

SEC Football: Each team’s top Heisman Trophy candidate for 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to the CFP National Championship against the Clemson Tigers presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers is seen on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Auburn: Joey Gatewood, QB

Auburn will have to find a new passer in 2019, after Jarret Stidham was drafted by the New England Patriots. Head coach Gus Malzahn has two options, and both will be entering their freshman season.

Both are exciting. Bo Nix accounted for 12,000 yards and 161 touchdowns at Pinson Valley High School, and he is the son of former Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix. It is Joey Gatewood, however, that appears to be the favorite.

Gatewood stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 235 pounds. Physically, he has drawn many comparisons to another former Auburn quarterback, Cam Newton. Newton was a junior when he came on the scene at Auburn, but Gatewood certainly has the physical tools.

Malzahn is on the hot seat at Auburn, and he’s taken over the play-calling. In 2019, this offense will likely be running with nothing to lose, so Gatewood could be poised for a huge opening year.

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