Jeremy Johnson Opens Spring as Auburn’s Starting Quarterback

March 10, 2015

Rick Nyman,

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) – Auburn’s starting quarterback job is Jeremy Johnson’s to lose.

The Tigers opened spring practice Tuesday with Johnson the clear front-runner after spending two seasons backing up Nick Marshall. It could mean a drama-free competition leading up to next season.

Johnson’s potential challengers include Sean White, Tyler Queen and junior college transfer Jason Smith, who could also end up playing another position.

Tigers coach Gus Malzahn says Johnson still must win the starting job "but he’s in a very good spot and we have a lot of confidence in him."

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Johnson has started one game each of the past two seasons.

Defensively, the storyline is more about new coordinator Will Muschamp’s efforts to rebuild a defense that was victimized down the stretch last season.