No other position came under more scrutiny during the 2012 football season than the quarterbacks.
The position saw three different starters: Kiehl Frazier, Clint Moseley and Jonathan Wallace. Though none seemed to do anything during the season to separate themselves from each other.
With the hiring of Gus Malzahn fans are optimistic that they can catch a glimpse of some of his star quarterbacks of the past. Remember Cam Newton? Even somebody like Chris Todd, who during his tenure with the Tigers set a school record for passing touchdowns in a single season, would be better than last year.
The Tigers will return two after junior Clint Moseley decided to forgo his senior season.
Frazier started five games in 2012, completing 62 of his 115 passes for 753 yards and eight interceptions. With the arrival of Malzahn, many believe that Frazier is the front-runner to earn the starting spot since he was recruited specifically for Malzahn's high-tempo offense.
Wallace started the final four games in 2012, completing 46 of his 80 passes for 720 yards and four interceptions. After Wallace's last minute signing with Auburn in 2012 many believed he would move to another position because of his athleticism. But Wallace's actions, after he arrived at Auburn, showed that he is dedicated to playing quarterback and wants to learn the position.
Going into spring and fall practices Wallace will probably be considered the underdog to Frazier, but Wallace's athleticism is a perfect fit for Malzahn's offensive scheme. Combine this with his willingness to learn, and he could be a dark horse to win the starting job.
With the departure of Moseley after the season, the Tigers were left with only two scholarship quarterbacks. Recruiting for the quarterback position became a major priority.
The Auburn coaches did not disappoint.
They signed three quarterbacks in this years signing class: Jeremy Johnson from Montgomery, Jason Smith from Mobile and junior college transfer Nick Marshall.
Johnson was the highest rated quarterback the Tigers signed. He earned the title of Mr. Football in Alabama his senior season. Johnson is a great fit for what Malzahn wants to do, but most recruiting analysts believe that Johnson still has some improving to do before he's ready to take the field. While the future could be extremely bright for Johnson, he could be looking at a redshirt freshman season.
Smith is a highly rated athlete from McGill-Toolen High School who could play several different positions when he arrives at Auburn.
The Auburn coaching staff has said he will be given a shot at quarterback, but many believe he will play receiver.
The receiver position is another heavy need for the Tigers and Smith has proven that he can play the position well after earning MVP honors at the Alabama Mississippi All Star Classic playing receiver.
The final quarterback signee of the 2012 signing class was junior college quarterback Nick Marshall.
Marshall originally signed with Georgia, in 2011 to play defense, but then transferred to Garden City Community College in Kansas. After transferring he returned to his high school position, quarterback. While at the junior college level, Marshall accounted for 4,000-plus total yards and almost 40 touchdowns.
Considering his experience level going into fall practice, Marshall has a very good shot at competing with Frazier and Wallace for the starting job.
Many have adopted a wait and see attitude going into the 2013 season.
However, with a new coaching staff, a new offense and recruited talent at the quarterback position there is reason for optimism.
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