Kiehl Frazier Named Auburn Starting Quarterback

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Kiehl Frazier #10 of the Auburn Tigers warms up prior to facing the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2011 Chick Fil-A Bowl at Georgia Dome on December 31, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The dual-threat sophomore QB didn't receive much playing time in 2011, but he was widely expected to receive the brunt of the snaps in 2012.

Cam Newton isn't walking through that door, but Auburn will have to hope that sophomore Kiehl Frazier can do a passable imitation as they try to move back up the SEC ranks after a disappointing 2011 season:

Coach Gene Chizik has announced that Kiehl Frazier will be Auburn's starting quarterback #WarEagle
— Auburn Football (@FootballAU) August 23, 2012

Frazier received limited time behind Barrett Trotter and Clint Moseley in 2011, attempting only 12 passes to 76 rushing attempts. However, the 6'3 225 dual-threat QB emerged as the front-runner early in Auburn's camp.

Over at College And Magnolia, SB Nation's Auburn sports blog, they're wondering why it took so long for Chizik to name him as the starter:

Some have claimed that Frazier has been the man all along, and that the drawn out competition was just gamesmanship by the coaching staff to keep Frazier motivated and possibly keep Clemson in the dark. Others believe that Frazier has struggled during this month's practices, and Chizik really has not been ready to make an announcement until today. Whatever the reason, today marks the transition from fall camp to Week 1 preparation.

Frazier will need to get ready fast, as the Tigers open the season with a marquee non-conference game against Clemson at the Georgia Dome.

For more coverage of Auburn football, check out College And Magnolia and stay tuned to SB Nation's college football news hub.