It has been a tough offseason for one of Alabama’s more powerful offensive linemen, but it seems as though he’s channeled his energy in a positive way. Redshirt junior Matt Womack started last season for the Tide at right tackle, helping the team win 13 games and a national championship victory over Georgia.
Hailing from Mississippi, the three-star from Alabama’s 2015 class assisted a group under coach Brent Key that was a finalist for the Joe Moore Award.
Womack was in position to fend off sophomore Jedrick Wills in the spring, unfortunately a foot injury kept him out of practice. The 6-foot-7, 324-pounder was all smiles entering fall camp, until he was faced with another setback. While numerous reports hit social media concerning a foot injury on Womack again, his father – David – confirmed the news Friday via Twitter.
Well it seems everyone knows by now the story so I guess it’s okay for me to tell the whole story. Matt hurt his foot again in practice, broke 2 of the 6 screws in his foot. They removed the plate added one long screw down the center of the bone. Everything went well. #rolltide
— David Womack (@Womack77RTR) August 17, 2018
With him expected to miss a lot of time, Wills and Alex Leatherwood were featured this week in practice. Wills lined up at right tackle, while Leatherwood was at right guard. Nick Saban continues to experiment with this group in order to get the best five guys on the field.
Womack’s finest performance came versus Fresno State in 2017, as he graded out at 90 percent on his assignments.
He did not allow a sack, quarterback hurry or commit a penalty and guided Alabama to having 305 rushing yards. He was recognized by both the Southeastern Conference and the Tide’s staff in being an Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts. As he recovers, Womack knows that comeback season begins the moment he is cleared to play.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
