Gus Malzahn compares QB signee Joey Gatewood to Auburn legend Cam Newton

Cam Newton was one of the best quarterbacks ever to suit up for the Auburn Tigers, leading the team to the 2010 national title.

Now, coach Gus Malzahn thinks Auburn has another great dual-threat quarterback in 2018 4-star signee Joey Gatewood.

During an appearance on the SEC Network during the early signing period, Malzahn compared his newest quarterback signee to Newton, saying they’re both able to run and throw at an elite level:

Gus Malzahn to SEC Network about his latest QB signee: "Joey Gatewood is the closest thing to Cam Newton physically that I've seen. He can run. He can throw. He's a big-time athlete." #Auburn

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 20, 2017

Though Jarrett Stidham will likely be Auburn’s starting quarterback in 2018, Gatewood will be waiting in the wings.

Malzahn’s offense generally works better with a quarterback who can run, a la Nick Marshall and Newton. Therefore, he’s probably pretty excited to get Gatewood on campus to see what he can do in person.

Of course, Gatewood has a long way to go to even be in the same stratosphere as Newton, but the excitement from Malzahn is a good sign moving forward.