National Signing Day 2011: Christian Westerman Switches From Texas To Auburn

5-star offensive tackle Christian Westerman hinted earlier this week that he had some big news to reveal on Friday. After today's announcement, Auburn should be very pleased. 

At a press conference at Hamilton High, Westerman announced that he'll be signing his letter of intent with Auburn instead of Texas.

“I am excited to become an Auburn Tiger and become part of the Auburn family," Westerman said. "The people, the following and fans are amazing and in the end it is where my heart is. I look forward to playing in one of the best and most tradition rich conferences in the nation, the SEC, where the football passion and following is second to none.”

One of the first commitments from Texas' 2011 recruiting class, Westerman began wavering on his commitment after the Longhorns 5-7 season and the significant coaching that followed.

With Texas' offensive and defensive coordinators gone, as well as the team's offensive line coach, Westerman's commitment quickly drew into question. 

He visited Auburn in December and opened up his recruitment to the Tigers as well as USC, Oregon and Arizona State. 

After his trip to Auburn, it quickly became evident that Westerman was leaning toward a decommitment, which made Friday's announcement more of a formality than anything.

One of the top overall prospects in the nation, Westerman is a 5-star talent at both tackle and guard and should be a huge boost for Auburn's quickly rising recruiting class.

After receiving commitments from one of the nation's top-rated athletes in Kris Frost, 5-star linebacker Brent Calloway, 4-star running back Quan Bray and 4-star cornerback Robensen Therezie earlier this month, the Tigers have been flying up the recruiting rankings. 

As for Texas, while Westerman's departure was to be expected, now the question becomes who will be the next to bail?

While there haven't been many indications that others will follow Westerman's lead, after the worst season of the Mack Brown Era, concerns exist about how many recruits will follow through on National Signing Day.