Auburn's McCain settling into latest role

AUBURN, Ala. -- Andrew McCain seems to have finally landed at one spot and snared a starting job.

The Auburn offensive lineman understandably isn't taking his new status as the Tigers' No. 1 right tackle for granted after three seasons as a backup at various positions.

``It's still an open competition and it's going to be until the first ballgame and maybe even after that,'' McCain said. ``I feel like I'm learning it well. I feel comfortable playing there. I feel I have a good grasp on everything so far and I think coach (Reggie) Grimes has been pleased with my play to a certain extent.

``But at the same time there's a lot of other guys gunning for the starting position.''

McCain was a high school tight end who moved to defensive tackle and played in five games as a freshman. Then he was redshirted to learn a new position on the offensive line, where he has seen action at tackle and guard.

The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder has taken over for Ryan Pugh, who replaces Jason Bosley at center.

Converted tight end Vance Smith and Rudy Odom, who has been limited at times by knee problems, have also worked at right tackle behind McCain.

``They've both been doing a real good job,'' McCain said. ``Vance is on quite a learning curve right now and on top of that he's a little light but they've both been working hard and playing real well.''

McCain's size helps his cause. Other Auburn linemen are trying to regain the weight they were told to lose for last season's switch to the fast-paced spread offense, but he has remained in the 300-pound range.

McCain described Grimes as ``a pretty laid-back guy'' and said the new staff provides a fresh start.

``It's been exciting having some new faces around and coach Grimes is a real encouraging kind of guy,'' he said. ``He's a teacher and that makes it exciting. It's new life for me and it's new life for everyone else, too, and it's exciting to have some guys in here who are giving everyone a chance to prove themselves and that's what I'm trying to do.''

McCain said improving his footwork has been one of his big tasks during his first spring under Grimes. He also is trying to master the Tigers' new offense.

``I feel like my main thing this spring is to really understand the offense as a whole, so that I can be a more complete player and understanding where the ball's going, what everybody else is doing so I can understand how my role fits into that and help the team better that way,'' Grimes said.