Aztecs land junior college QB
By: TOM SHANAHAN - For the North County Times | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- Southwestern College quarterback Drew Westling took a roundabout route to San Diego State, but he said he probably belonged with the Aztecs all along.
"My aunt (Donna Bell) has worked at San Diego State for 25 years, so I've always followed the Aztecs and liked them," Westling said. "My first year at Tulsa (2005), we played Oklahoma, so I was familiar with Chuck Long and the offense. San Diego State seems like the best fit for me."
Westling, a 6-foot-3, 215-pounder, said he accepted a scholarship offer from Long ---- now in his second year as SDSU's head coach ---- and will join the team in the spring with two years of eligibility remaining.
He began his college career at Tulsa University out of Aliso Niguel High in Orange County. He redshirted his first year and played three games in 2006, completing the only pass he attempted for 37 yards.
But after Tulsa coach Steve Kragthorpe left for Louisville, Westling said he decided to return home to a California junior college to gain playing time rather than face the uncertainty of a new coaching staff.
At Chula Vista's Southwestern, which went 3-6 this season, Westling completed 173-of-325 passes (53.2 percent) for 2,087 yards with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Westling fills a gap on the depth chart between departing senior Kevin O'Connell and redshirt freshman Kelsey Sokoloski and true freshman Ryan Lindley.
"I by no means think I'm the guy," Westling said. "I know they have some great quarterbacks on the roster, and I have to go in there and compete for the job. I'm grateful for the opportunity to play for Coach Long and Coach (Del) Miller (offensive coordinator). I'm coming to contribute any way I can."
Westling said he canceled a scheduled visit to Boston College and also received interest from Hawaii, Utah, Colorado State and San Jose State.
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NC wrote on Nov 16, 2007 6:09 PM:Wow!! This kid is average at the JC level. The biggest question mark on the offense for next season is the QB position because the coaches have made mistakes with the two QB's they have signed since taking over two years ago. Craft left because the OC doesn't have a clue, game has passed him bye time to retire.
JACK wrote on Nov 17, 2007 3:31 PM:NC has a handle on it. 3 yards and a cloud of dust won't fly out west. After 4 wins this year and 3 last, that gives Chuck 7. If he is to compete with Tom's win loss total he'll have to win 12 games in the next two years. I don't think he'll pull if off. That means Jeff Schemmel has to show some continuity and fire Chuck for not getting it turned around. Hey Jeff, you set the bar so be ready to fire Chuck if he does not win 19 after his 4th season. What a sham.
Patrick wrote on Nov 17, 2007 5:05 PM:in all fairness, he was just trying to survive at Southwestern. He did the best he could with a losing team who had little talent. No quarterback, even at the NFL level, can do everything for a team. I think he'll be an asset to the program and really prove himself there.
jack wrote on Nov 18, 2007 7:18 PM:I say good luck to the young man. It's too bad he won't get 5 years with the same coach.
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