Auburn's Jeremy Johnson to start vs. Alabama A&M

With Sean White nursing an injured shoulder, Auburn will start Jeremy Johnson at quarterback Saturday versus Alabama A&M, coach Gus Malzahn announced Thursday.

"I know our team is excited for him," Malzahn said on the Tiger Talk radio show, per Brandon Marcello of 247 Sports. "He's excited, and I'm excited for him."

Johnson's ascension to starter comes as somewhat of a surprise, given John Franklin III had been operating as White's backup, and started in place of an injured White two weeks ago.

Johnson, who coughed up the starting role multiple times last year, has appeared in just one game this season, going 4-for-6 for 38 yards and an interception in a season-opening loss.

While the senior will lead the Tigers into battle Saturday, Malzahn noted that Franklin will also see the field in certain packages.