Freshman offensive lineman Wilson Zierer made his first start for the Auburn Tigers this season against Florida back in Week 3. Since then, he has started every game.
Zierer talked about how the upper classman got him ready to play in the SEC.
SUBSCRIBE TO AUBURN UNDERCOVER TODAY AND GET ACCESS TO PREMIUM CONTENT YOU WON'T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE
“A whole lot, especially Strand and Stanton Ramil,” Zierer said. “They both just have been coaching me while Stan couldn't practice and Strand, they both couldn't practice during spring ball. So they've been just coaching me up on every small detail, trying to help me, trying to get me better.”
For the last game against Ole Miss, he moved from guard to tackle, as the Tigers continue to search for answers along the offensive front.
Zierer said he is more comfortable at tackle and feels he is more ready to play that position going forward because of the physicality that came with playing guard.
“Just also understanding what my guard does and me knowing now what everyone does, so I can do my technique better and understand how our scheme works,” Zierer said. “I just understand everything a lot better.”
Zierer has also gained the confidence of his head coach. In a year where the offensive line has been a work in progress, to put in kindly, Zierer has remained fairly consistent in his play.
Head Coach Alex Golesh says that goes back to him getting better and better each time he steps on the field and trusting his process week to week.
“That position is unforgiving in this league, man,” Golesh said. “Like, again, you're playing Arkansas now, high end edge. Like, that's what you're dealing with every single week. And so you're watching in real time. He's continued to get better. He is one, going back to that, where he's continued to get better, continued to gain confidence. We're so excited about him.”
Zierer said Arkansas’ defensive line is physical and can put a strain on the opponent’s offensive line.
He highlighted some of the challenges that come with playing tackle against SEC competition.
“Getting to a spot, just you play a defensive end and they rotate so much,” Zierer said. “It's understanding who's in front of you, having a good plan for that player, and just executing that plan.”
Zierer and the Tigers offense are focused on improving upon a subpar rushing attack against Ole Miss last weekend. Auburn only gained 63 yards on the ground.
Zierer and his fellow offensive linemen will also look to keep quarterback Byrum Brown upright after giving up another disappointing four sacks as well.
Auburn and Arkansas tee things up Saturday afternoon, at 11:45 a.m. CST, inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
