White named starter

AUBURN | The wait is over.

Sophomore Sean White was named Auburn’s starting quarterback by Gus Malzahn Thursday.

White was in a three-way battle with senior Jeremy Johnson and junior John Franklin III throughout spring practice and the first few weeks of fall drills.

"It was a very good race," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "All three guys competed at a high level. White earned it and is a guy that was in our offense last year."

White started five games last season, completing 83-of-143 passes (58 percent) for 1,166 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. With 255 yards passing at Kentucky, 254 yards at Arkansas and 258 yards against Ole Miss, White became the first Auburn quarterback to throw for 250 or more yards in three consecutive games since Dameyune Craig in 1997.

White guided Auburn to a 30-27 win at Kentucky, becoming the first freshman quarterback to win a road game since Jason Campbell at Vanderbilt in 2001.

Auburn opens the season Sept. 3 against No. 2 Clemson. Kickoff at Jordan-Hare Stadium is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN.