Sean White has been named Auburn's starting quarterback again, and this time he earned it.
White became the starter last season when Jeremy Johnson struggled out of the gate and was replaced. Auburn coach Gus Malzahn reopened the competition after last season's 7-6 finish, and White, a 6-foot, 200-pound redshirt sophomore from Boca Raton, Fla., beat out Johnson and junior college transfer John Franklin III.
The Tigers open at home next Saturday night against defending Atlantic Coast Conference champion Clemson, which has returning Heisman Trophy finalist Deshaun Watson as its quarterback.
"It feels really good, and I feel blessed to be in the position to be responsible to lead this team against Clemson," White said Thursday night in a news conference. "I'm happy that Coach put that responsibility on me and that my teammates believe in me."
White replaced Johnson last September after the 45-21 loss at LSU and made starts against Mississippi State, San Jose State, Kentucky, Arkansas and Ole Miss. He suffered a knee injury in the four-overtime loss at Arkansas and played through pain against Ole Miss before being shelved for the rest of the regular season with the exception of a handful of plays against Georgia.
Though he reclaimed his starting role before the Birmingham Bowl against Memphis, White threw two first-half interceptions before Auburn took control defensively and on special teams for a 31-10 win. White was informed he was the starter before Thursday's practice.
"I think he has improved in all areas," Malzahn told reporters. "He competed at a high level last year and battled through some injuries. He understands the offense. He's in a good spot."
White completed 83 of 143 passes last season for 1,166 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions, and the Tigers went 3-3 in games he started. Johnson completed 95 of 157 passes for 1,054 yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Franklin, who is prominently featured on the "Last Chance U" documentary currently airing on Netflix, threw for 733 yards and rushed for 451 a year ago at East Mississippi Community College. He went there from Florida State.
"Our team motto this year is 'earn it,' so everything has to be earned," White said. "I feel like I've earned my spot."
Said Malzahn: "We have confidence in Sean. More importantly, his teammates have confidence in him."
Saban still searching
Auburn's decision to name White leaves Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi State and South Carolina as the four SEC schools yet to announce their starting quarterbacks.
The Crimson Tide held their 22nd preseason practice Thursday, working out for two hours in full pads at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility. Coach Nick Saban met with the media after the practice and addressed the quarterbacks before a question could be asked.
"As of right now, there is no decision that has been made on anyone," he said.
Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett and Jalen Hurts have been competing for the job. Asked if he might play two quarterbacks next Saturday against Southern California, Saban said, "We haven't had any discussions about that."
Saban also said the school is waiting to hear if 6-7, 315-pound freshman defensive tackle Raekwon Davis has been cleared academically to play.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.