Has there ever been a second-team quarterback prepared for a more seamless transition than Jeremy Johnson in 2015?

There probably has, but for the sake of promoting why Auburn’s preseason No. 3 ranking in several ‘way-too-early’ polls is valid, the rising junior’s the real deal and is capable of improving the Tigers’ offense thanks to a vast skill set.

While there was no controversy under center for Gus Malzahn this season with steady dual-threat Nick Marshall finishing out his career, those close to the program knew the future was in good hands with Johnson, a former U.S. Army All-American with an array of tools necessary to win in the SEC.

In his only start of sophomore season thanks to Marshall’s first-half suspension following a drug citation, Johnson posted a near-perfect quarterback rating against Arkansas in last year’s opener, completing 12-of-16 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns.

“He was phenomenal,” Malzahn said on his weekly radio show after the game. “Our line did a good job of giving him some time, too. He had progressions, he had reads, he knew his protections, he knew his routes. He’s a cool customer.”

The knock on Marshall was not being able to shake the ‘athlete playing quarterback’ label, one that led to him switching back to his primary position (defensive back) this week in prep for Saturday’s Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft.

Johnson presents several different elements to Malzahn and Rhett Lashlee’s offensive playbook, a pass-first player with an ability to read defenses while possessing the arm strength to throw into tight coverages.

For the most part, Marshall made good decisions over the past two seasons as the facilitator in Auburn’s fast-paced spread, but at times, was limited in where he could go with the football. Johnson has had the luxury of taking it all in from the sidelines during Malzahn’s tenure on the Plains, learning the intricacies of scheme instead of on the fly like Marshall, who was a JUCO transfer and a necessary early-impact talent.

While reactionary plays when the pocket crumbled were Marshall’s strength, Johnson’s arm provides Auburn with escapability through the air.

This fall, Auburn fans can expect more multiple receiver sets with their new quarterback and less run-designed plays from the position. Part of the 2015 offensive makeover includes the arrival of sought-after JUCO playmakers Jovon Robinson (five-star running back) and Jason Smith (four-star wide receiver), two players who should lighten any initial pressure off Johnson.

Considering the weapons he’s going to have at his disposal, Johnson will challenge other signal callers as the SEC West’s top quarterback.

The Tigers won’t overhaul their identity — steady dose of zone read handoffs and jet sweeps — with Roc Thomas, Peyton Barber and Robinson set to emerge, but Johnson’s proven accuracy (73 percent) in limited action should make play-calling much easier and provide flexibility.