AUBURN, Ala. – Displaying his versatility by playing three positions in Auburn's season-opening win over Massachusetts, Gunner Britton has been named Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week, the SEC announced Monday.
"It's a blessing," Britton said. "It's not really about me. It's about my teammates and what they do for me. I can't wait to call my dad. He's going to probably cry. It will be a good thing for my whole family. It's a big accomplishment but for me, it's the first game. I've got 11 more, hopefully 12 and 13."
A 6-6, 312-pound senior transfer from Western Kentucky, Britton logged snaps at left guard, right tackle and left tackle vs. the Minutemen.
"I think it just speaks to his importance to us," Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said. "He needs to be on the field, and we need to stay fresh because we like to go fast, and he gives us freedom to move some puzzle pieces around because of his flexibility. He's really invaluable with that. Gunner has a really sharp IQ."
Britton and his O-line teammates helped the Tigers rush for six touchdowns and 289 yards on 44 attempts, an average of 6.6 yards per carry in Auburn's 59-14 win.
Playing multiple positions is nothing for Britton.
"My first couple years at Western, I was moved to center and I was doing center and tackle," he said. "I've played some guard when guys got hurt. Last year I played both tackles. It's a cool opportunity that I get to do all of it. I try to do anything that's asked of me as a player. I want to help my team win in any way shape or form."
Auburn plays at California Saturday at 9:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Mr. Versatility: ''I try to do anything that's asked of me'
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer