The Auburn Tigers have a load of pressure on their backs for the 2015 season with the loss of star seniors and addition of talented new players to the field.
However, the team has already made a good impression across the nation with multiple players placed on preseason watch lists, and the team was predicted by the media at this summer's SEC Media Days to win the SEC Championship.
After sitting on the sidelines for two seasons watching Nick Marshall, Jeremy Johnson is ready to lead the Tigers there.
Johnson stands at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds with phenomenal rushing and throwing capability, which he showcased in seven game appearances off the bench, and one start in last year’s season opener against Arkansas.
During his start, Johnson completed his first eight passes, becoming the first Auburn quarterback to throw for more than 200 yards in a half since Cam Newton in 2010. He will be entering his third year on the team, and has the experience from starting as a true freshman back in 2013 against Western Carolina and appearing in six games throughout the season.
In the event that Johnson isn't available to start, redshirt freshman Sean White is set to back him up. White earned the Rivals No. 4 spot as a quarterback in the top 115 nationally.
Coach Gus Malzahn said the team is looking to keep a similar offensive structure from 2013 as opposed to 2014. In Malzahn’s own terms, the plan is to “build the offense around the quarterback’s strengths.”
Malzahn commended Johnson for being one of the better zone read quarterbacks he’s seen, and placed an emphasis on play action passing rather than running the ball.
However, Malzahn also said Johnson has a slick running ability. From this clue, the offense will be a mixture of running and passing, focusing on how Johnson’s abilities can bring the offense closer to the end zone. When it comes to passing, Johnson has a team of top wide receivers to catch what comes their way.
Already predicted to win the SEC, Auburn can get there by securing a top running back to carry for Johnson and using his throwing ability to reach the hands of Duke Williams, who has proven he is one of the top receivers in the country.
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