It has been a while since we got a football commit. Yesterday, the Bruins got a small but aggressive linebacker in Sean Westgate. He projects as a safety at the collegiate level, since he only weights 200 lbs, but the Bruins like him at linebacker. I'm sure he can add on some more weight and after a few years he could be playing on special teams or even in a passing package. I think he'll eventually get moved to the secondary, but you never know. Here are some comments on Westgate from recruiting expert Greg Biggins:I'm a huge Westgate fan and feel he's a great football player at the HS level. His size is really the only drawback but he can really play and his film reminded me a ton of Matt Grootegoed. He has great football instincts, is very tough and runs right through people when he tackles them. It will be interesting to see how he develops, he's about 6-0, 200 pounds and doesn't have a big frame so even though he'll put on more weight, his size will be the thing to watch.
Sean was involved in a memorable play a few season's ago when he tackled Jimmy Clausen (the current Notre Dame quarterback) out of bounds and drew a personal foul flag. The hard tackle and pushing resulted in some retaliation later in the game. Obviously Westgate is a tough kid and he's willing to knock some people around on the gridiron.
Westgate was originally committed to Arizona, but a UCLA offer and a chance to play linebacker was all he needed to change his mind. From an interview with Brian Dohn:
Oak Park High's Sean Westgate said the reason he pulled back his commitment to Arizona and chose UCLA was the proximity of UCLA's campus to his home, and his desire to remain at linebacker. Many schools were recruiting him as a safety.Westgate says that he suffered a torn labrum and he is currently recouping from right shoulder surgery. That, along with his size, probably precludes him from playing anytime soon. It will be interesting to see what happens to this kid over the next few years.
Scout gives Westgate 3-stars and Rivals also gives him 3-stars. Rivals ranks him as the #37 safety in the country.
