The end of the Nick Marshall era left Auburn winded and searching for a replacement. The promise of superstardom that came with Jeremy Johnson never came to fruition, and Sean White was unable to remain healthy throughout 2015. Those conditions are now a thing of the past, according to coach Gus Malzahn.
"This is a new year, and that’s what we’ve been preaching to our guys," Malzahn said. "You can use those things as far as having that chip on your shoulder to help motivate you, but they’re moving forward.”
Now, an unfamiliar face and a redshirt freshman have thrown their hats into the ring. John Franklin III, a JUCO transfer from East Mississippi Community College, is a dual-threat quarterback that is remnant of Nick Marshall during his time on the Plains. Shifty and of smaller physique, Franklin III would seemingly fit in well in the hurry-up offense that has made the Tigers successful in the past.
"That's a quick person, man," said junior running back Jovon Robinson. "When you can move laterally as quick as he can, you can do special things on the field."
Redshirt freshman Tyler Queen is back after recovering from Tommy John surgery and has to compete against the other able-bodied candidates but with restriction. Malzahn has the freshman on a pitch count to ensure a full recovery for his arm, but says that Queen has been "flying around" in spring practice.
While White and Johnson are still very much in the competition, moving on to another year doesn't fend off questions from the 2015 season. Can White stay healthy? Can Johnson find his confidence? Johnson improved toward the end of the season and was 10-for-23 with 170 yards and one touchdown in last year's Iron Bowl.
Both have proven physically capable of competing in the SEC, but whether they will be able to overcome last year's struggles, especially in the midst of a heated competition, remains to be seen.
“Right now, we’ll have great competition in that [quarterback] room. Everything they do, we’ll make sure we chart, we grade everything, and see what comes of it," Malzahn said. "My experience is when you’ve got good competition, it brings out the best in everybody.”
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