A couple of days ago, Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel confirmed that he would be foregoing his senior season for a chance in the NFL. That move was expected. This one, however, perhaps was not.
Fellow Aggies tackle Jake Matthews said on Thursday that he would be staying for one more year in College Station.
“After careful consideration, much thought and prayer, I am happy to announce that I am returning to Texas A&M for my senior season,” Matthews said in a statement. “There are a few things that really swayed my decision. Number one is the opportunity to play with my younger brother, Mike. (Mike will be a sophomore offensive lineman.) That opportunity doesn’t come around very often. The college experience is also a great time and with our team coming back next season, I think we have the chance to be very special. I love playing for the 12th Man. Our fans are the greatest and the atmosphere at Kyle Field is outstanding.”
Matthews was a first-team FWAA All-American and a second-team All-American as determined by the Walter Camp Foundation. Additionally, Matthews was selected as a first-team All-SEC by both the league’s coaches and the Associated Press.
“I am excited that Jake has decided to come back for his senior season,” head coach Kevin Sumlin said. “Not only because he is one of the top offensive lineman in the country, but because of his approach and his leadership in our locker room. We will move him from right tackle to the left side and I think he will have a great senior season.”
A question going forward for A&M was how Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel would do in 2013 without some key members of this year’s O-line protecting him.
He’s getting one of those lineman back. And one out of two ain’t bad.