Stidham Wins QB Battle
Jarrett Stidham during A-Day on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Jordan-Hare Stadium (Photo: Auburn Athletics/Dakota Sumpter)
Auburn fans got the announcement that they have waited months for on Monday, that Jarrett Stidham has been named the starting quarterback for Auburn Football.
Since he committed to Auburn on December 10, 2016, many fans assumed that the Baylor transfer would take over the role as spring practice started. But with last season's starter at the position returning to the team, it was very clear that Stidham would have to earn the right to be QB1.
Head Coach Gus Malzahn announced the decision via twitter:
Stidham was in competition with incumbent Sean White, and freshman Malik Willis for the starting role. According to Malzahn and new offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey, the way the quarterbacks were evaluated was based on talent, plus the ability to perform in high pressure situations, and the ability to lead. Some of the drills that determined the winner were third-down, red-zone, and two-minute drills.
Stidham, a native of Stephenville, Texas, will enter the 2017 season as a sophomore after beginning his career at Baylor, where he passed for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns while starting three games for the Bears in 2015 before an injury cut his season short. After leaving Baylor, Stidham enrolled at McLennan Community College as a student, sitting out 2016 while working with a personal coach to perfect his craft, so that he could play again in 2017. Stidham chose Auburn over Texas A&M, Florida, LSU and others.
This is the second player that Malzahn has brought in from Baylor, running back Kam Martin originally signed his letter of intent with Baylor, before asking to be released due to scandals that surround the program.
