AUBURN - Even in a discouraging loss at Mississippi State, last Saturday was not a waste for redshirt freshman offensive guard Christian Westerman. He played in a game for Auburn for the first time.
Auburn offensive guard Christian Westerman
“On the sideline I was a little nervous, but by the time I got into the huddle it went away,” Westerman said. “I was focused. I was ready to go. That was definitely a positive. I had a lot of fun. I have definitely missed being out there on the field. To actually to get out there was a big positive for me. I was really excited. I think I actually played really well.”
Westerman was rewarded at Sunday's practice when he took some snaps with the first team in practice.
One of the nation's top offensive line recruits, Westerman signed with Auburn out of Chandler, Ariz., in 2011. He has some playing time now, and he wants more.
"I'm definitely still competing," Westerman said. "We are all still competing for positions. Right now I'm just in competitive mode and trying to fight for my spot."
Westerman played right guard Saturday, but he has practiced and can play on either side.
It's uncertain what Westerman's role will be when Auburn tries to break away from an 0-2 start Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11:21 a.m.
Westerman hoped to play as a true freshman, but he was redshirted. He hoped to win a starting going into this season, but he wasn't able to do it. His time, he says, will come.
"It's definitely hard," Westerman said. "You have your ups and downs out there. I just want to get better. I'm working to get out on the field, no matter what it takes."
- Phillip Marshall
- Auburn Insider - AuburnUndercover