When a two-year starting quarterback at the collegiate level moves on to the NFL, programs often battle through spring practice and summer workouts without naming a starting quarterback.
Fortunately for Gus Malzahn and the Auburn Tigers, they’re not part of that unfortunate group. Via his Twitter, Malzahn announced junior Jeremy Johnson will lead the offense in 2015.
We just named Jeremy Johnson our starting QB for 2015. Everyone in our program has 100 percent confidence in him! War Eagle!
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) April 20, 2015
As long expected, the 6’5″, 230-pound talent will replace Nick Marshall, a terrific athlete who amassed 4,508 yards and 34 touchdowns through the air, scampering for 1,866 yards and 23 scores on the ground. He’s now pursuing an NFL career as a defensive back.
Johnson started one game for the Tigers last season—the season-opener against Arkansas—completing 12-of-16 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He appeared in six other outings.
Johnson’s showing in the spring game, Auburn’s A-Day, only further solidified that he would be under center during the regular season. According to the school, he completed 14-of-22 attempts for 252 yards and two touchdowns.
The Tigers finished 8-5 last season and lost key contributors Sammie Coates, Cameron Artis-Payne and Reese Dismukes to the NFL. However, Roc Thomas and D’haquille Williams will flank Johnson in 2015, giving Auburn a trio of high-potential offensive weapons.
Considering the program plays in the vaunted SEC West, the Tigers will be reliant on Johnson for consistent, efficient performance. Auburn opens its season on Sept. 5 against the Louisville Cardinals.
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