After much anticipation by the Auburn faithful, true freshman Bo Nix has been named the starting quarterback for the Tigers. Nix beat out redshirt freshman Joey Gatewood in a quarterback battle that began back in the spring. Nix will be the fifth starting quarterback under head coach Gus Malzahn as he enters his seventh season on the plains.
Bo Nix Named Auburn Quarterback
No one would have been shocked had Gatewood been named the starter for the opener on August 31st against Oregon. With that said, it was only a matter of time before Nix took over the reins as the Auburn signal-caller. As it is his destiny.
Nix broke several records while in high school in Alabama and led 6A Pinson Valley to back-to-back state championships in 2017 and 2018. The final championship came in his new home stadium, Jordan Hare Stadium. Per 247Sports, Nix was the top dual-threat quarterback in the 2019 class and was ranked as the third-best player in Alabama.
Nix looks to follow in the footsteps of his father, Patrick Nix. The elder Nix was on the plains from 1992-1995 and was the starter his final two seasons. He went 17-5-1 as a starter and passed for 4,957 yards with 31 touchdowns. But it is now his son’s time.
Supporting Cast
The cupboard is not bare at Auburn.
Starting on offense, Nix should get good protection by a much-improved offensive line that is led by five seniors. Sharing the backfield will be a stable of running backs who all bring something special to the table. Lastly, Seth Williams and the rest of the receivers will give Nix plenty of options down the field.
This defense is any quarterback’s best friend. Auburn has a defensive front that is NFL worthy with the likes of Derrick Brown, Marlon Davidson, and Nick Coe. Further, the secondary will be led by seniors Daniel Thomas, Javaris Davis, and Jeremiah Dinson. So, Nix will not be expected or have to score in the 40s each week to be successful.
