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Mar 28, 2024
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Football Preview: Quarterbacks and Receivers
After an improbable run in 2013 that saw Auburn win the SEC title and advance to the national championship game, expectations were high entering the 2014 season. The Tigers started 5-0 then stumbled in the second half of the season to finish 8-5 overall and 4-4 in the SEC. With the 2015 season set to kickoff Sept. 5, Auburn is looking for a fresh start with a new quarterback under center and a stud returning at the wide receiver position.

Head coach Gus Malzahn emphasized to his players all of spring practice to get their edge back and focus on the future after a disappointing finish down the stretch last season. Auburn lost four of its five final games, including a heartbreaking 34-31 overtime loss to Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl.

Much of spring revolved around physical practices to develop toughness and every position was open to competition as the Tigers try to regain that hard-nosed attitude that was missing in 2014. The physical practices and the chance to earn a No. 1 spot on the depth chart will continue in fall camp in August.

One position that has been decided is at quarterback. With Nick Marshall graduating, Malzahn announced two days after the A-Day game that junior Jeremy Johnson will be Auburn's starting quarterback in the fall.
Jeremy Johnson
Jeremy Johnson
(Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com)

The news wasn't a big surprise since Johnson has seen action as a backup and even has a few starts under his belt.

As a true freshman in 2013, he played in six games and started against Western Carolina when he completed 17-of-21 passes for 201 yards with four touchdowns. For the season, he completed 29-of-41 passes for 422 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions.

With Marshall suspended for the first half against Arkansas last year, Johnson started and connected on 12-of-16 passes for 243 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

For the 2014 season, Johnson saw action in seven games while completing 28-of-37 passes for 436 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

An impressive performance during A-Day saw Johnson hit 14-of-22 passes for 252 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, all in the first half.

Sean White and Tyler Queen are next in line for the Tigers at quarterback.

White, a redshirt freshman, is a former Under Armour All-American known for being a very accurate passer. He showed off his strong arm during A-Day by connecting on 15-of-19 attempts for 109 yards.

Queen, a true freshman, is more of a dual-threat quarterback. He rushed for 43 touchdowns and passed for 89 scores as a four-year starter in high school. As a senior, he threw for 2,342 yards.

Two important pieces to Auburn's receiving corps last season have moved on with Sammie Coates leaving early for the NFL Draft, and Quan Bray graduating. Coates will be missed, but luckily for Johnson and the offense, Duke Williams decided to return for his senior season and will be Johnson's main target.
Duke Williams
Duke Williams
(Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com)

If the first half of last year's Arkansas game is a sign of things to come, SEC defenses will have their hands full trying to stop the duo this fall. Williams hauled in seven passes from Johnson for 138 yards and a touchdown.

In 10 games last season, Williams had 45 receptions for 730 yards and five touchdowns.

Ricardo Louis looks to fill the void left by Coates. After a very promising sophomore campaign in 2013, Louis was somewhat disappointed with his junior season in 2014. With 21 catches for 261 yards and three touchdowns a year ago, Louis hopes his last season on the Plains is more consistent and productive.

In two seasons at Auburn, Marcus Davis has 36 receptions for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Entering his junior season, he will be counted on to replace Bray and looks to have more opportunities to make big plays after finishing last season with 13 catches for 92 yards.

Melvin Ray, Stanton Truitt, and Tony Stevens all have proven to be reliable receivers and will probably see more action in the fall. Last season, Ray had eight catches for 182 yards and a touchdown, Truitt caught two for 13 yards, and Stevens had one reception for 13 yards.

Junior-college transfer Jason Smith made the move from quarterback to receiver a few weeks after spring drills started. He could still see time at quarterback, when the Tigers use the Wildcat formation, but the move to receiver will give the position more depth.

The tight end position will see a new face with both C.J. Uzomah and Brandon Fulse graduating. Redshirt freshman Chris Laye is the only scholarship tight end on the roster and is expected to be a lead blocker. Laye could be challenged by Jalen Harris when he arrives on campus in the summer.

Phil Marion

Coming July 6: Running Backs and Offensive Line