On Aug. 26, Gene Chizik named sophomore center Tunde Fariyike the starter for the Sept. 1 season opener against Clemson in the Georgia Dome in the absence of suspended starter sophomore Reese Dismukes.
Fariyike found out at practice when he began getting work with the starters and received texts and calls from the rest of the team in support of his promotion.
"(The team said) it's your time, step up, we need you," Fariyike said of the contact. "Everybody's looking at me and I've got to show up."
"This is my opportunity to show what I can really do," he said.
Fariyike, a biomedical sciences major concentrating on pre-med, was praised by starting quarterback Kiehl Frazier and senior starting guard John Sullen after practice for his intelligence and "perfectionist" attitude.
"With his intelligence, it helps (the team) a lot," Sullen said. "The center has to be the smartest person on the field, quarterback included."
Fariyike said offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler's offense is different from Gus Malzahn's in that the center is forced to set the huddle and make the calls.
Loeffler's offense is more complex than Malzahn's schemes were last year, but Fariyike's study habits from the classroom carried over on to the field.
"I'm not going to say it was really easy, but it wasn't really hard either," Fariyike said, agreeing that the mental aspect of the game comes easily to him.
Fariyike played in all 13 games last season, primarily on special teams.
His only play at center came in Auburn's 41--23 win at home against Ole Miss.
However, while Fariyike's under-the-radar play may not immediately earn him the most support from Auburn's fans, he has the backing of his team and, most importantly, his quarterback.
"I think Tunde will do a good job," Frazier said. "I worked with Tunde a ton last year so I'm pretty comfortable with him."
As bench players last year, Frazier and Fariyike were able to practice together frequently, however, due to Malzahn's spread offense and shotgun sets, Frazier said he needs to work with Fariyike on taking snaps under center.
According to Frazier, Fariyike's work ethic will make the transition that much smoother.
"Every call, he wants to make it. Every step, he wants to get right, so every time he makes a mistake he just kills himself," Frazier said.
On setting such high standards for himself, Fariyike said that he is only doing what's expected of him.
"It's the way Coach Loeffler wants it to be, it's the way Coach Grimes wants it to be, it's the way I want it to be," Fariyike said. "(I'm) trying to be perfect."
Chizik said no decision has been made on when Dismukes will return from his suspension, so for now, Auburn will have to settle for perfection.
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