Breaking down the quarterbacks: Jeremy Johnson

Published: Dec 25, 2014 · 6:20 PM EST

AUBURN SOPHOMORE QUARTERBACK JEREMY JOHNSON

Stats: 28-of-37, 75.7 percent, 436 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 0 INTs, 1 sack, 201.4 rating

Big-time game: No question, the Arkansas game in Week 1. Johnson was 12-of-16 for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first half. As the season went on, we all saw how well Arkansas performed on defense. Johnson was throwing darts all over the field and showcased his arm strength and accuracy during that first half.

Not his best effort:He hasn’t gotten enough game reps for this category.

Improvements: Johnson just needs to keep practicing his craft and learning this playbook. Auburn’s play-calling will be a little different with him under center because he is a better passer than Marshall, but not as good of a runner. He will need to continue to grow as a quarterback and a leader, as he’s the frontrunner to replace Nick Marshall as the starting quarterback.

Strengths: He has the size and arm talent to be a big-time quarterback. He can sling it with the best of them as he showed during that first half against an Arkansas defense that proved to be pretty legit.

Weakness: It’s hard to really see a weakness just yet. I have heard from some people that Johnson isn’t a very hard worker. I’ve heard that he gets complacent and feels that he already has the starting role locked up for next year. Now, that’s just what I’ve heard, so who knows if that is 100 percent accurate. I hope for his sake that’s false. The kid has all the talent in the world and complacency will crush him.

Overall: He brings a little different aspect to the offense than Nick Marshall did. Johnson is a big guy at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds. He has a big arm and showed the ability to run as well. He may not be as shifty and as fast as Marshall, but he’s a much better passer. Getting ready for an offseason in which he’s “the man” will be big for Johnson. He must take that leadership role and do all the little things that are required.

Stephen Garcia

The Man. The Myth. The Legend.