Auburn using backup quarterbacks to simulate Deshaun Watson
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn revealed that he’s used backup quarterbacks John Franklin III and Woody Barrett to simulate Deshaun Watson for the team’s upcoming season opener against No. 2 Clemson during his SEC Teleconference appearance Wednesday.
Malzahn said it has been a mix of guys simulating Deshaun Watson on the scout team, but mentioned John Franklin III/Woody Barrett by name.
— AUBlog (@AUBlog) August 31, 2016
Watson finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting last season and is a favorite to win the award this year. The junior threw for 4,104 yards, 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions on 333 of 491 passing and rushed for 1,105 yards and 12 touchdowns on 207 attempts in 2015.
Franklin was the No. 1 JUCO athlete for the 2016 transfer class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Barrett was the No. 6 dual-threat quarterback and No. 219 overall prospect from the 2016 national recruiting class.
Auburn will host Clemson at 9 p.m. Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.