Top Quarterbacks in Modern AU History
by Van Plexico
Not counting the strange year of 1998, in which Auburn never had a clear starting QB, Tiger QBs have served two year stints (Stan White essentially served two two-year terms, first under Pat Dye, then reborn under Terry Bowden). The three eras when Auburn had controversy at the QB position-- 1984-85, 1990-92, and 1998-- have also, not coincidentally, been the three most disappointing eras in modern AU history. A solid, reliable starting quarterback contributes a remarkable amount toward a successful season. Here's how I rank them:

1. Dameyune Craig 1996-97
For some fans, it was obvious during Craig's years that he was a spectacular talent, bright and skilled. For others, it took the disaster of '98 to show them just how much of the previous year's success was due to this one man.

2. Jason Campbell 2001-04
After three inconsistent years as the starter and the backup, back and forth, all the while showing flashes of brilliance with both his arm and his legs, JC exploded in 2004 as the team's leading Heisman candidate, over even Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown. His accuracy was always at least as good as (usually better than) any other AU QB in history. With the "Gulf Coast" offense of 2004, he became a deadly weapon and a masterful battlefield general for perhaps the greatest AU offense of all time.

3. Reggie Slack 1988-89
Inserted into the same offense Jeff Burger had run previously, Slack made it even more dangerous. Skills, smarts, and athleticism made him one of the greatest AU QBs ever.

4. Stan White 1990-93
The only four-year starting QB in Auburn history, I believe. After carrying the Tigers through three sub-par years, he was rewarded--and rewarded fans-- with an undefeated year in '93, 11-0.

5. Jeff Burger 1986-87
Never seeming a great talent, Burger directed (what passed in those days for) explosive passing offenses in '86 and '87 and won Auburn its second SEC title of the decade his senior year, while being named SEC Player of the Year. Not bad for a guy recruited to run the option.

6. Patrick Nix 1994-95
Tough as nails, smart, and able to find a way to win. Nix never seemed to be the most talented QB available, but he could direct Terry Bowden's offense with skill and could almost will his team down the field.

7. Ben Leard 1999-2000
After his dismal debut in 1998, who would have imagined seeing him here? Yet who can argue with one interception in '99, and devastating performances over LSU and Georgia?

8. Randy Campbell 1982-83
The consummate mistake-free option quarterback, he ran the wishbone attack to perfection his last two years, culminating in a Sugar Bowl triumph over Michigan and a National Championship (NYTimes).

9. Pat Washington 1984-85
Washington seemed to suffer from a lack of confidence on the part of his coaches his entire tenure. Never secure in the driver's seat either of his two final years, he nevertheless overcame all challengers and ended those years as the starter. Pat Dye has said that in retrospect, he probably did not give Washington the support he needed to excell.