Malzahn names White QB starter for Clemson

JOHN ZENOR

AUBURN, Ala. — Sean White will open this season like he finished the last one: as Auburn’s starting quarterback.

Coach Gus Malzahn proclaimed White the winner of the three-man race over Jeremy Johnson and junior college transfer John Franklin III after Thursday’s practice. White will start Sept. 3 against No. 2 Clemson.

“We’ve got three guys that can run our offense but Sean White’s the first one that will be out there,” Malzahn said. “We’re excited for Sean. He’s earned it. He’s a guy that has experience in our offense last year. He’s a tough guy. He’s in a good spot. He’s in a good spot to lead this team. The team’s going to rally around him so I’m excited for him.”

White replaced Johnson as starter in midseason and started five games before sustaining knee and foot injuries against Arkansas. He reclaimed the No. 1 job in the Birmingham Bowl win over Memphis.

He was the first Auburn freshman quarterback to make his starting debut against an SEC opponent since Jeff Klein against Tennessee in 1999. White was also the first Auburn passer to throw for 250plus yards in three consecutive games since Dameyune Craig in 1997.