Auburn running back Tre Mason made it to New York City as a Heisman finalist in 2013.
Now, in 2014, Nick Marshall could be the next Auburn star to vie for the famous stiff-arm trophy.
Marshall exploded onto the SEC scene last season and has looked much more comfortable as the first returning starting quarterback in Malzahn's hurry-up, no huddle offense.
"It's just the way he's carrying himself," Malzahn said. "You can just tell he's getting more comfortable. The game is a lot slower for him, I'd say."
Marshall has used his first spring at Auburn to his advantage in order to perfect the Tigers' fast-paced offense.
"Coming into the spring coming off last season, the expectation this year is high," Marshall said. "I know everything about the offense now. I'm just playing ball right now and executing the plays well."
Auburn led the country in rushing yards last season, but next season, the offense is expected to throw the ball more.
Marshall is confident in his passing abilities and is looking forward to throwing more next season.
"I'm excited about that because I like throwing the ball," Marshall said. "But when it comes down to it, we still are going to run the football. We've got more receivers coming in, so that gives us more weapons on offense."
The coaches want Marshall to have at least a 65 percent completion percentage next season, which only four starting quarterbacks have done in Auburn history.
"It shouldn't be a goal, because like I said the expectations for us are higher this year," Marshall said. "I'm just trying to do what the coaches tell me and then just complete the passes like they want me to."
Marshall's knowledge and confidence in the offense gives the rest of the team confidence by having a leader they know they can rely on.
"He knows what Coach Malzahn or Coach Lashlee is going to call in certain situations and kind of understands what play works," tight end C.J. Uzomah said. "Having that and having that confidence in himself brings out everything in us."
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