Since Nick Marshall's marijuana citation July 11, he has worked to regain his teammates' and coaches' trust, but sophomore quarterback Jeremy Johnson already trusts Marshall because of how he has been leading the team on and off the field.
"With the incident that happened, I called him right away," Johnson said. "He learned from his mistake and I know for a fact that he won't do it again."
Marshall and Johnson's close relationship remains unchanged despite both competing for the same position, according to Johnson.
"I talk to Nick all the time; we're good friends," Johnson said. "On and off the field we hang out with each other. I've got his back, he's got mine."
Johnson said Marshall is the one who always picks him up when he has a rough day.
Marshall also has worked with Johnson to help him improve his skills at quarterback in the offseason.
"When it comes to zone reads, he tells me how to do it and what to do with it," Johnson said. "He's vocal. He's the first one on the field every day."
Offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee has also noticed how close their relationship has developed.
"I have even teased them before about their bromance on Instagram," Lashlee said. "They are just good friends. They get along. They are good in meetings. They are good on the practice field."
Even though they both play the same position, that does not alter their relationship whatsoever, according to Lashlee.
"I have never one time thought one had ulterior motives over the other and I think that's been a huge plus for our team," Lashlee said. "They really do a good job of pulling for each other. And that's hard at quarterback because only one of them plays."
Although head coach Gus Malzahn hasn't announced Johnson as the starter against Arkansas, Johnson is ready if he does get his first SEC start in the opener against Arkansas. His work with Marshall will prepare him to lead Auburn's offense.
"If I'm called upon, I'll be ready," Johnson said. "I'm really not going to be nervous. I'll be very confident."
Despite Marshall not being
the starter in the season opener, Johnson knows Marshall is the starting quarterback. Johnson also made a prediction for Marshall's upcoming season.
"No doubt in my mind, I know he'll win (the Heisman trophy)," Johnson said. "He led us to the National Championship and we were 13 seconds away. This year he has gotten better at passing and running and better with the reads."
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