The time is now for Auburn sophomore Jeremy Johnson.

The talented, strong-armed quarterback will start in Auburn’s season-opener on Aug. 30, a critical SEC West contest against Arkansas. Head coach Gus Malzahn made the announcement Friday at the completion of the Tigers first fall practice.

Malzahn is discipling Auburn’s starting quarterback Nick Marshall after being issued a citation on July 11 for a small possession of marijuana. Malzahn gave no indication on Friday just how long Johnson will play against the Razorbacks whether it would be for a quarter, a half or the entire game.

According to auburntigers.com, Malzahn was quick to diffuse any speculation on Friday about who his starting quarterback will be for the rest of the season.

“I will say this,” Malzahn added, “Nick Marshall is still our quarterback.”

Marshall might be Auburn’s starter for the rest of the season but last week Malzahn admitted that Johnson will be worked into the offensive on a consistent basis.

Johnson has started one game since arriving at Auburn, a 62-3 thrashing of Western Carolina. Johnson looked solid against the inferior Catamounts completing 17-0f-22 passes for 201 yards and 4 touchdowns.