Considering he’s not even been named the starting quarterback for Auburn, Jarrett Stidham has a ton of pressure on his shoulders heading into the 2017 season. The Baylor transfer is being projected by many this offseason as a savior of the offense on the Plains and the key to the Tigers challenging Alabama in the SEC West.

While expectations being thrown on the sophomore — who has yet to even take a snap against an SEC defense — are lofty, the former elite quarterback recruit appears very much up to the challenge.

In a recent interview with ESPN’s Tom Luginbill, Stidham answered questions regarding his transition from Baylor, as well as his high hopes for the Auburn offense heading into 2017.

Why did he sit out a season after leaving Baylor?

Stidham: “It was an unorthodox way to do things, between myself and my family, some of the compliance people at Baylor, it was kinda the best route for me. I had no idea where I wanted to go, transferring right away, I had no idea. I had a few schools in mind but not one for sure.”

What was the most difficult part of that decision? 

Stidham: “Not playing. Not playing was very difficult. I tried to match what I’d be doing, workout wise, film wise and that kind of thing, not playing on Saturdays, that was definitely the toughest part.”

on the QB room at Auburn:

Stidham: “It’s great, honestly. I think anywhere you go, really any position, it’s good to have competition. That makes you raise your game up to another level day in and day out.”

on the offense in 2017:

Stidham: “We have playmakers everywhere on the field. I think all the pieces of the puzzle are there. I think it’s just a matter of time, getting everybody on the same page. The ultimate goal is to win the SEC. Everything after that just takes care of itself.”