Auburn football true freshman leaning on teammates ahead of first start

This weekend could mark a lot of ‘firsts’ for the Auburn football program. It could be the Tigers’ first SEC win of the season, the first big home win for head coach Hugh Freeze, and potentially the first game this year in which the Tigers ride with one quarterback (doubtful).

However, it will also be a big first for true freshman Connor Lew, who will be getting his first start in the world of college ball. A 4-star inside offensive lineman recruit from Acworth, GA, Lew was committed to the Miami Hurricanes this time last year. Once Hugh Freeze was hired as the head coach of Auburn football, things changed quickly for Lew, and by January he was committed and enrolled on the Plains.

As an early enrollee, Lew has spent months preparing for this moment, earning the trust of his teammates and learning from the veterans in his position group. When he had to go in for starting center Avery Jones in the Ole Miss game, his teammates knew he could get the job done, per Auburn Rivals:

"“When I was getting ready to go in, they were like, ‘You’re ready.’ I knew in my mind I was ready, but they were telling me, too,” said Lew. “Just to back it up. Like: ‘You’re ready for this moment.’ That’s been helpful, too.”"

Though the Auburn football offense has not been stellar over the last few weeks, Lew believes that the team has done a good job of tuning out the noise and focusing on what matters:

"“Just play for each other. Play for the man next to you. Play for Auburn. Play for the name on your back and the name on your front.”"

Auburn will host Mississippi State this weekend in Jordan-Hare Stadium for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on the Plains.