Texas’ post-season football staff overhaul did not do enough to convince Christian Westerman, a blue-chip offensive lineman from Chandler, Ariz., to remain a member of the Longhorns’ commitment list.
Based on an ESPN.com report, Westerman decommitted today with Texas and pledged his allegiance to Auburn, the recently crowned BCS national champion. Westerman was one of the highest-rated prospects in Texas’ commitment class, which now stands at 22. Westerman is the only commitment Texas has lost in the wake of its 5-7 finish and post-season staff overhaul that includes six new position coaches for the 2011 season.
Ironically, Texas’ inability to lure Auburn offensive line coach Jeff Grimes to Austin may have been a key in Westerman’s decision. Westerman reportedly has a strong relationship with Grimes, who interviewed last week with Texas before taking his name out of consideration Sunday.
Texas coach Mack Brown hired Stacy Searels, Georgia’s OL coach for the past four seasons, as the Longhorns’ offensive line coach Thursday to complete his staff overhaul.
Based on Westerman’s change of heart, ESPN recruiting analysts now place Florida State as the team with the projected No. 1 recruiting class in the country. Texas had held the top spot until Westerman’s decommitment.
Rivals.com dropped Texas from first to second in its recruiting rankings today. Alabama holds the top spot in the Rivals.com rankings.
National signing day is Feb. 2.
_ Jimmy Burch
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