HOOVER, Ala. -- High expectations follow new Auburn quarterback Jeremy Johnson into the 2015 season. They stem from his impressive showing in limited action last season and a skill set that makes him a threat as a rusher and a passer. But he doesn't care to hear any comparisons to former Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, whose dual-threat skill set led the Tigers to the 2010 national championship.
"Cam is Cam and not me," Johnson said Monday at SEC Media Days. "I don't compare myself to Cam that much."
Newton played only one season at Auburn before forgoing his last year of college eligibility for the 2011 NFL Draft. He was the No. 1 overall pick of the Carolina Panthers that year and has thrown for more than 14,000 yards in his first four seasons as a pro. However, his one season at AU was too prolific for any reasonable comparison to be made to Johnson or anyone else. Newton threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdown passes to just seven interceptions, and rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 more scores.
Newton-like or not, Malzahn is confident Auburn's offense will be in capable hands -- and feet -- with Johnson.
"Jeremy has the ability. He can flat-out throw it. He can make every throw you ask him to make," Malzahn said Monday. "He's a better runner than people think. We didn't ask him to run a lot the last couple years, but he's a big, athletic guy who probably runs a 4.6. So he will allow us to call all of our offense."
Johnson completed 28 of 37 passes for 436 yards and three touchdowns last season as a backup to starter Nick Marshall.
And although Marshall was known more for his running than his passing, perhaps comparisons to Marshall would be more fair.
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