Gus Malzahn sees 'wow factor' from Auburn QB at Thursday's practice

It’s no secret that Auburn has itself a full-blown quarterback competition this spring.

Returning quarterbacks Jeremy Johnson and Sean White are trying to hold off newcomer John Franklin III.

So anytime Gus Malzahn speaks about the position, his words are surely going to be scrutinized extensively by Tigers fans who are looking for clues as to who could be taking meaningful snaps come September.

Malzahn met with the media following Thursday’s practice, which was the Tigers’ fifth of the spring.

He gave the latest scoop on how the quarterbacks are performing. Here are the highlights:

Gus on JF3: "He's naturally fast. When he takes off running, he's got the 'wow' factor."

— Tom Green (@AUBlog) March 11, 2016

Gus Malzahn says John Franklin III is "real hard on himself" and "I've been impressed with his approach." https://t.co/kvjQJguKE7

— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) March 11, 2016

Gus Malzahn on John Franklin "I've been really impressed with his approach"

— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) March 11, 2016

Auburn's Gus Malzahn says returning QBs Jeremy Johnson and Sean White are 'quite a bit above where they were at the end of the season.'

— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) March 11, 2016

Five Auburn spring practices are in the book: 'We're rotating our quarterbacks. They're all getting an opportunity,' says Gus Malzahn.

— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) March 11, 2016