SEC INSIDER

Auburn names QB White as starter

The Sports Xchange

August 26, 2016 at 11:16 am.

Sean White (13) looks for a receiver against the Ole Miss Rebels at Jordan Hare Stadium. Photo Credit: Garrett Reid-USA TODAY Sports

Sean White (13) looks for a receiver against the Ole Miss Rebels at Jordan Hare Stadium. Photo Credit: Garrett Reid-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn named redshirt sophomore Sean White as the starting quarterback for the Tigers.

White beat out Jeremy Johnson, last year’s opening day starter, and John Franklin III for the starting job.

Malzahn said it was time to name his starter for the season opener against No. 2 Clemson on Sept. 3.

“We’re excited for Sean,” Malzahn said Thursday. “He’s earned it. He’s a guy that has experience in our offense (from) 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 is going to rally around him. So I’m excited for him.

“I think it will be important that he’ll have a good full week to work specifically just with the ones. We’ve really tried to do a good job of all three guys getting equal opportunities.”

White became the starter last season after a Week 3 loss to LSU and started five straight games before an injury forced him to miss the majority of Auburn’s final four games.

White completed 58 percent of his passes and threw for 1,166 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions last season.

“It feels really good,” White said after being informed of the decision before Thursday’s practice. “I feel blessed to be in this position, and I feel responsible to lead the team against Clemson. I’m happy that coach put that responsibility on me. My teammates believe in me, and I feel like they have a reason to believe in me. I think we’ll be ready to go come Saturday.”

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