AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Sean White is Auburn’s starting quarterback in the opener against No. 2 Clemson.

Coach Gus Malzahn proclaimed White the winner of the three-man race over Jeremy Johnson and junior college transfer John Franklin III after Thursday’s practice. He says it was a very good competition.

White replaced Johnson as starter in midseason and started five games before sustaining knee and foot injuries against Arkansas.

He was the first Auburn freshman quarterback to make his starting debut against an SEC opponent since Jeff Klein against Tennessee in 1999. White was also the first Auburn passer to throw for 250-plus yards in three consecutive games since Dameyune Craig in 1997.

But he only threw one touchdown pass against four interceptions.

Malzahn didn’t disclose a pecking order behind White.