Following an impressive spring practice season, rising junior Jeremy Johnson was named Auburn’s starting quarterback for the 2015 season Monday afternoon, April 20, by coach Gus Malzahn, confirming what had been suspected for a few months.
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
Johnson, a five-star recruit from Montgomery’s Carver High, was named Alabama’s Mr. Football in 2013. Johnson sat behind Nick Marshall for two years, learning the intricacies of Gus Malzahn’s offense and earning plenty of practice time.
Johnson started in two games over his two years at Auburn, once against Western Carolina in 2013, and once in the 2014 season opener against Arkansas, when Marshall was suspended for the first half.
In his Auburn career to date, Johnson has thrown for 858 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, most of which came in mop-up duty.
At Saturday’s A-Day game, Johnson took every snap with the first-team offense, registering 14 completions on 22 attempts for 252 yards and a pair of touchdowns before sitting out the second half.
Johnson beat out sophomore Sean White for the starting job, but in reality, the competition was a formality. Johnson was expected to succeed Marshall as the starter the second Auburn’s season ended against Wisconsin in January.
At only two days removed from A-Day, this is the earliest an Auburn quarterback has been named as starter since 2007, when returning starter Brandon Cox was entering his senior year. Even Cam Newton, one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Auburn history, was named starter 11 days after the spring game.
Johnson will now have full control over the offense leading up to Sept. 5, when the Tigers meet the Louisville Cardinals in the Georgia Dome for the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
