During his first three seasons, Wade Christopher's primary way to help the team has come from running the scout-team defense.

Last week, defensive coordinator Ted Roof called upon Christopher to jump to the first-team unit.

A bevy of injuries have cost five of Auburn's seven linebackers at least some time during August practice. Among those players, injuries to starting weak-side linebacker Eltoro Freeman and top reserves Spencer Pybus and Adam Herring have opened a lane for Christopher to get on the field.

True freshmen Jonathan Evans and Harris Gaston have also battled various injuries. Evans is still out of action.

Now the walk-on is hoping to make contributions in venues other than the practice field.

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