Editor's note: This is the first of a nine-part series analyzing Auburn's position-by-position recruiting wishlist for the 2019 class.
Auburn's quarterback situation is in the best shape it has been since Gus Malzahn took over the program, and the Tigers look to maintain that condition for the foreseeable future.
With Jarrett Stidham returning for a second season under Malzahn and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, as well as rising sophomore Malik Willis and true freshman dual-threat option Joey Gatewood, Auburn has an ideal mix of proven talent and young potential at its most important position. While Stidham can leave Auburn after the 2018 season, the Tigers already have a line of succession secured, with Willis, who got in-game experience in a limited role as a freshman last season; Gatewood, who has drawn comparisons to Cam Newton due to his physical stature and skillset; and with the team's lone 2019 quarterback commit, Bo Nix.
It's a much better situation than even a year ago, when the Tigers had some uncertainty about the future of the position.
Under Malzahn, Auburn has made it a priority to take at least one -- and sometimes more -- quarterback each recruiting cycle. This time around, the Tigers currently plan to sign only one quarterback in 2019, and fortunately for them, they've already secured that commitment.
Nix, the son of former Auburn great Patrick Nix, committed to Auburn on Jan. 10 and has not wavered from that one bit. The 6-foot-2, 207-pounder is rated as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2019 class, the No. 6 player in Alabama and the 68th-best player in the nation. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he is a four-star recruit.
Auburn's top 2019 quarterback targets
Nix is an ideal fit for Auburn's offense, with an ability to extend plays with his legs while also touting a strong and accurate arm. After transferring from Scottsboro before his junior season, Nix missed four games last year at Pinson Valley due to injury but returned to lead his team to a 15-0 record and the program's first Class 6A state championship.
As a junior, Nix completed 196-of-307 passes (64.8 percent) for 2,872 yards, 35 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He earned Class 6A first-team All-State honors and was named AL.com's All-Birmingham Player of the Year.
This offseason, he participated in the Elite 11 finals in California and finished in the top three, earning an invite to The Opening finals in Dallas, and he has quarterbacked Newton's 7-on-7 team out of the Atlanta area.
Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.
from Auburn Sports Impact http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2018/06/auburn_2019_qb_recruiting_wish.html
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