The number one question revolving around the Auburn football program is of course the quarterback position heading into the 2016 season. With three players vying to start for the Tigers – senior Jeremy Johnson, sophomore Sean White and junior John Franklin III (and possibly a fourth in true freshman Woody Barrett if he qualifies) – the answer could be any of the three at this point.

While Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn wasn’t ready to shed any new light on the subject, he did give a timeframe for the ultimate decision.

“I feel very good about the three guys that we have and they’re set to compete in fall camp and I’m hoping that we can name of those guys the starter early in fall camp rather than later in fall camp, so they can actually get the reps with the ones and all that,” Malzahn said Wednesday according to AL.com. “I think we’re in a good spot quarterback-wise.”

Malzahn went on to say naming a quarterback is something the coaching staff and players agree on when they see it. Malzahn also hopes that a player emerges under center early enough that the team doesn’t have to run full contact practices with any of the quarterbacks.

That comment would suggest John Franklin III may perform the best in a full contact situation, as he’s clearly the most gifted runner of the three options for Auburn under center. However, if he fails to showcase his skills from the pocket, unleashing him on the defense may be the only way he can truly show off his impressive dual-threat skills at earn the starting nod before the season begins.

Malzahn was also asked about the possibility of adding a graduate transfer quarterback, as former Texas Tech quarterback Davis Webb has been rumored to be considering a move to Auburn.

“We’re not commenting on what we’re pursuing or not pursuing but we feel about the three guys we have,” Malzahn said.

The winner of the quarterback competition won’t be getting the luxury of a tune up game, as Auburn hosts Clemson on the Plains Sept. 3 to open the season.