Kane Wommack- 1st & 10 Club-Post Meeting Wrap Up
On Monday, September 16, the 68 Ventures Bowl welcomed Kane Wommack, the Defensive Coordinator for the University of Alabama football team, as keynote speaker at the 1st & 10 Club Meeting. He stepped into the role at Alabama after three years as Head Football Coach for South Alabama.
Wommack expressed his excitement about returning to Mobile, reflecting on his time playing in the 68 Ventures Bowl. He highlighted how much people value the bowl game, noting the vibrant atmosphere and the memorable experiences created by the staff for both players and the community. He described the greatness of football in Mobile, and how special it is to watch young men put the work in everyday to achieve their goals.
“For us as coaches, we want to be part of an environment where young men can strive to be the best versions of themselves,” Wommack stated, “Our job is to be vision casters. Once the player buys into the vision, we have to hold them accountable to the relentless detail that it takes to accomplish that vision.” Wommack puts an emphasis on player growth and accountability, which is critical for him and the rest of the staff at Alabama as they move into SEC play.
The floor opened up for a Q&A with Coach Wommack, and he was asked what it feels like stepping in after Coach Saban’s retirement. “Coach Saban has set the standard for what defense is supposed to look like in college football for the past three decades,” Wommack explains, “It’s an opportunity to continue that legacy and I wasn’t going to pass it up. It’s something that I don’t take lightly and I hope to uphold that legacy week in and week out.”
Wommack praised his younger players for their readiness to perform at a higher level. Their commitment keeps them ready to tackle new challenges, “For us as a team, we cannot stay the same as a defense from where we were during week one to week three and expect to have the same success,” he noted. “Those players have to learn from their mistakes and gain confidence from the things they did well, and sustain those corrections moving forward.”
The Tide will face-off against the University of Georgia on Saturday, September 28 at 6:30 P.M.
The Anchor Cares Student Athlete of the Month awards were presented by WNSP 105.5 Corey LaBounty. These players were selected for their high performance in the 2024 season.
Defensive Standout, Jabarrius “Chicken” Garror. (So.), Linebacker, Vigor High School.
Jabarrius Garror has helped the Wolves to a 4-0 start with 35 total tackles, 20 solo, 15 assists, 8 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles. He continues to “barbeque and bake” opposing offenses and is verbally committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Offensive Standout, Aaden Shamburger. (Jr.), Quarterback, Spanish Fort High School.
Aaden Shamburger is a dual-threat quarterback, leading the Toros to a 3-1 season so far. He has passed for 235 yards and 3 touchdowns, and rushing for another 245 yards with another touchdown.
Special Teams Standout, Jack O’Neil. (Sr.), Kicker, McGill Toolen High School.
Jack O’Neil broke an AHSA state record on August 30th with 6 field goals during a rainstorm. He shot from distances of 38, 40, 31, 32, 32, and 34 yards from different hash marks. On the season, he is 8 out of 11 and averages 50 yards on his kickoffs.
Lineman Standout, Micah DeBose, (Sr.) Lineman, Theodore High School
Micah DeBose is a 5 star offensive lineman and former state champion. He was named first team All State and was selected to play in the prestigious Under Armor All American game. This season he has 32 pancakes, averaging 8 a game, and 12 knockdowns. He is verbally committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Team Focus Member of the Month, Trey McKinstry, (Sr.), Faith Academy
The Team Focus Member of the Month was presented by Aaron Dias, Alabama Director of Team Focus. Team Focus is a mentoring program for young men without father figures in their home. This is awarded to Trey McKinstry. Trey exemplifies what the program truly means. He is somebody you can trust and leads by an example for his family.
The next 1st & 10 Club meeting will take place on Monday, October 7th , with keynote speaker Hugh Freeze, Head Coach for Auburn University.
