Auburn Football: QB Zeke Pike's Dismissal Not a Huge Loss for the Tigers

Fall camp has already started, and Auburn has already lost a quarterback. 

Head coach Gene Chizik announced after Auburn's first practice of the fall that suspended true freshman Zeke Pike, who enrolled in Auburn in January, has been dismissed from the team and is seeking a transfer, according to Jay G. Tate of AuburnSports.com.

Pike was suspended indefinitely in late June after being arrested for public intoxication. At the time, it was clear that Chizik had already become fed up with Pike's antics.

Pike was a highly-rated quarterback in the class of 2012, and with so much upheaval at the quarterback position, he had a chance to become the Tigers' signal-caller of the future.

His departure hurts the Tigers from a depth perspective, but for the long term, it was unlikely that Pike would see significant time under center.

True sophomore Kiehl Frazier wowed everybody during the spring, culminating with a 7-for-9, 92-yard performance in the spring game. He also ran for 21 yards during that game, but would have probably gained more in live game action had quarterbacks not been whistled down after being touched.

Having said that, Frazier wasn't the one impressing on Day 1 of Auburn camp. Fellow true freshman Jonathan Wallace made some headlines, according to Joel A. Erickson of the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer.

"

More praise for Jonathan Wallace, Frazier says "a lot of the freshmen look up to him." #Auburn

— Joel A. Erickson (@wareagleextra) August 2, 2012"

Wallace may not be the long-term answer, but he's off to a good start. 

The man for the job down the road may still be in high school. Jeremy Johnson, a 6'6" pro-style quarterback that has committed to the Tigers in the class of 2013, has drawn comparisons to former Tiger quarterback Jason Campbell.

Rivals.com's national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell seems confident in his ability.

"

#Auburn has a much more talented QB than Pike in this class so fans don't need to freak.

— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) August 2, 2012"

That's high praise on Johnson.

Pike's departure hurts Auburn from a depth perspective, but the Tigers have players in place to withstand the loss now and down the road.

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Lead image courtesy of al.com.