Could Walker White Be a Year-One Starter at Auburn?

To say that Auburn is having troubles at the quarterback position would be an understatement.

I would argue that we as Auburn fans haven't seen consistent quarterback play since Jarrett Stidham's senior season in 2018. Bo Nix was a hit-or-miss while at Auburn. TJ Finley had maybe two good drives during his campaign. Robbie Ashford can run it pretty well, but certainly struggles throwing the ball. And Payton Thorne has yet to live up to the arm talent he displayed while at Michigan State. So what is the answer for Auburn in the future? Is Payton Thorne going to turn it around? Are we going to have to resort to another transfer portal product? Is Holden Geriner going to get a shot? I have one possible solution that may come as a surprise most.

It is current high school senior Walker White.

White is a four-star prospect finishing up his senior season at Little Rock Christian Academy, and he is shining. He has thrown for over 1000 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only one interception. He has also rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns. High school stats are hard to come by, so I don't know how accurate those are, but the general consensus is that he is having a very impressive year. Not only are his stats impressive. His size is appealing as well. Listed at 6'3" and 225 pounds, White certainly has the frame to succeed in the SEC. As I sit here and watch some of his highlights, I am getting more and more optimistic. He is surprisingly athletic for his size, and he has some zip behind his balls. I've watched him get out of the pocket and make plays. I've watched him feel pressure, move in the pocket, and throw dimes down the field. I've watched him run the ball fearlessly and make guys miss. He doesn't look like a guy that is succeeding at the high school level only because he is bigger and more athletic. He looks like a true quarterback. He looks like a guy that can stay poised in the pocket and make a good throw under pressure.

And his game is only half of what excites me about him.

Ever since he announced his commitment to Auburn earlier this year, White has made it his personal mission to recruit other guys to come play with him at Auburn. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I have seen him tweet at a recruit that is considering Auburn. He was there for Big Cat weekend, and he was a big part of it. He even has promised chain pendants to guys that commit. He's exactly what you want in a recruit. He has shown that he is fully committed to this program, and that is very important in the era of NIL. Most recruits aren't safe until they are officially signed. Not Walker White. He has made it clear that he is fully committed to the Auburn Tigers. His character is admirable, and he seems to have his head on straight, which is very important for guys at the quarterback position.

Maybe I am just being overly optimistic because I am desperate for Auburn to have solid play at this position again. After all, starting a true freshman at quarterback is normally a horrible idea, ESPECIALLY in the SEC. Or, maybe White is a special talent that is mature enough to walk in and start from day one.

I am just going off of what I have seen from him so far. He looks talented, he's got the size, he's got the character. If he has the work ethic, I think that he will at least get consideration to start next year.