Westerman visiting SEC champs
Christian Westerman committed to Texas in early April and any excitement surrounding his recruitment died down soon after the Longhorns received his pledge.
But things have sparked up again with the four-star offensive tackle from Chandler (Ariz.) Hamilton because he's visiting Auburn this weekend and could take some other trips - Oregon and USC being possibilities - as Texas figures out its offensive coaching staff.
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Orangebloods.com editor Jason Suchomel said any rumors about Westerman opening his recruitment back up are off base and that discussions with the family lead him to believe as long as the Longhorns hire an offensive line coach that jells with Westerman then everything should be fine.
"His dad indicated to me that they're still committed to Texas but that they're pretty much covering their bases until they find out who Texas hires to fill out their offensive coaching staff," Suchomel said.
"I really do think in talking to his dad that if Texas brings in a candidate who is a good coach and is going to treat their kid well away from the field I think he ends up staying with Texas."
Westerman, two spots away from being a five-star prospect by Rivals.com, had developed a strong relationship with Texas' former offensive line coach Mac McWhorter, who retired earlier this month.
McWhorter was important to Westerman's recruitment but Suchomel said the family is confident coach Mack Brown can hire a strong replacement who will be to their liking. Until that happens, though, Westerman is evaluating other opportunities.
"(Westerman's father) said as long as Mack Brown is there we have full confidence that he'll hire someone that's a good Xs and Os coach and it will be a coach who treats Christian well away from the field," Suchomel said.
"This isn't like a big shock to them, all the shake-up. I didn't have a direct conversation with him but I text messaged him and he said all this stuff about Texas and we're de-committing or opening things back up he said is not true. We're just in limbo until they get an offensive staff hired."
Brown could wait a while to make decisions. Suchomel said Brown has stated that he'll wait until after the bowl season to hire coaches and Suchomel believes first an offensive coordinator will be hired and will have some say in the future offensive line coach.
Since the staff is not in place, Westerman has decided to take at least one visit to Auburn this weekend. Hamilton teammate and fellow offensive lineman, Tyler Johnstone, is committed to Oregon and the Ducks could get involved. USC has long been considered one of the favorites.
Suchomel said Texas still plans to have Westerman visit sometime in January. Maybe by then, a new offensive coordinator and line coach will be in place.