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COLLEGE STATION - Jake Matthews, a junior All-American
offensive tackle for Texas A&M University, has announced he will return for
his senior season. Matthews will be a top candidate for the Outland Trophy as
well as the Lombardi Award in 2013.
"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 from Nashville where he was enjoying time with his family. "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 started all 13 games and played right tackle
earning first-team All-America honors by the Football Writers Association of
America (FWAA) as well as second-team All-America honors from the Walter Camp
Foundation and SI.com in 2012. He was a first-team All-SEC selection by the SEC
Coaches, AP and EPSN.com and was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for
his play against Arkansas (Sept. 29). Matthews and his offensive teammates
became the first unit to ever post 7,000 yards of total offense in the
Southeastern Conference.
"I am excited that Jake has decided to come back for his
senior season," Aggie 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."
Jake is the son of Carrie and Bruce Matthews, current
offensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans and NFL Hall of Fame offensive
lineman for the Houston Oilers and Titans. Jake's older brother, Kevin, was a
two-year starter for the Aggies and currently plays with the Titans.
Matthews started the final seven games as a true
freshman on the Texas A&M offensive line in 2010 and currently has a string
of 33 straight starts along the offensive front.
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