Auburn Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

Oct 22, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pittway (36) celebrates a touchdown with fullback Chandler Cox (27) and quarterback Sean White (13) during the third quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 56-3. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) looks to pass during warm-ups prior to the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

5. The quarterback competition

Entering the spring game, the quarterback position is once again up for grabs at Auburn. Though true freshman Malik Willis is a name to watch for the future, it’s really a two-man competition between White, the returning starter, and Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham.

White completed 133 of 208 (63.9 percent) of his passes for 1,679 yards and nine touchdowns with only three interceptions last year, but the junior has been limited this spring because of the broken forearm he suffered in the Sugar Bowl loss to Oklahoma. White has participated in drills this spring but did not play in the Tigers first scrimmage of the spring March 25, and it’s unknown whether he will take live snaps during A-Day.

Stidham is considered by most outsiders to be the more talented quarterback, and specifically, has displayed a stronger arm, but has less experience than White. Stidham has three years of eligibility remaining. He threw for 1,265 yards with 12 touchdowns and two interceptions as a freshman at Baylor in 2015 but hasn’t played since.

With White limited, Stidham has had an opportunity to knock off the rust following a year away from football and establish himself as the favorite to win the job. He’s also been working with his new teammates, likely developing chemistry with his new receivers and the offensive unit as a whole, as well as new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey.

The relationship Stidham and Lindsey have developed is probably the most important. Though White has a history with the Auburn coaching staff, Malzahn has handed the full play-calling duties to the former Arizona State and Southern Miss OC. If Lindsey feels comfortable with Stidham and trusts the Texas native to lead the offense, he’ll have the inside track on the competition this fall.

The coaching staff won’t make a decision until a healthy White has an opportunity to compete for the job at full speed. But, given the need for stability behind center, don’t be shocked if that competition unfolds quickly this fall and Stidham earns the top spot on the depth chart several weeks before the season opener.

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