College football roundup: Auburn picks Trotter

AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn's Barrett Trotter has had a big August.

First, he graduated with a communications degree and then he was selected Thursday to replace Cam Newton as the Tigers' starting quarterback. Coach Gene Chizik said Trotter will start the defending national champions' opener against Utah State after beating out Clint Moseley and freshman Kiehl Frazier "because we feel like he gives us the best chance to win."

"There's a lot of ingredients in there," Chizik said. "It's experience, it's knowledge of the offense, it's leadership ability. Obviously consistency managing our team. People believing and trusting in the guy that is their quarterback."

Trotter said after practice Thursday evening that he still hadn't gotten a chance to call or text friends and family to tell them the news. He said this changes his leadership duties.

"It comes with a lot of responsibilities, so that's another role I'm going to have to take on," said Trotter, who is starting graduate school in public administration.

As for the decision: "I can't say I'm surprised at all but I'm glad the way things worked out."

Trotter was redshirted in 2008 and then missed the following season with a knee injury. He played in five games last season in relief of Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, and now can try to move out of his shadow.

"This is a great opportunity for him to write his own story," Chizik said

Trotter was redshirted in 2008 and then missed the following season with a knee injury. He played in five games last season in relief of the Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 draft pick Newton, and now can try to escape his shadow.

"This is a great opportunity for

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