By Stephen Hargis and Mark Wiedmer (tfpOnline)
One of the areas most decorated and respected football players is coming home.
Former Marion County star Eric Westmoreland has been hired as an assistant at Baylor School.
"Eric brings a lot of knowledge to our team and a lot of enthusiasm," Baylor coach Phil Massey said. "He is going to make an immediate impact for us."
Westmoreland was a threetime all-state performer, leading the Warriors to a 56-1 overall record and three state championships. He accumulated more than 6,000 total yards and scored 85 touchdowns on his way to winning Class 3 As Mr. Football award and being named state player of the year by the Lawrenceburg Quarterback Club. He became a starting linebacker at the University of Tennessee, helping the Volunteers to the 1998 national championship, and was drafted by the NFLs Jacksonville Jaguars. He played three seasons for the Jags.
Westmoreland thought hed be playing for the Cleveland Browns this season, but they shifted from a 4-3 defensive set to a 3-4 during the offseason and the linebacker/safety felt he was no longer wanted. And because hes a fifth-year veteran he is guaranteed a base salary in excess of $650,000, which makes him a difficult pickup under the salary cap.
"I may still get an (NFL) offer," Westmoreland said. "But right now, Im just happy to have an opportunity to pursue a new career."
