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.