Warmack Has Drive To Be A Winner

When Alabama players show up for interviews after practices, if they are not wearing a suitable shirt one is provided for them. Other than that, there’s not much to say about the sartorial aspects of Crimson Tide players meeting the press.

When Chance Warmack showed up this week, though, there was discussion of his gameday dress. It seems that the Alabama senior’s short jersey has been noticed…probably particularly on shots from behind when he’s in his stance at left guard and bears a resemblance to the stereotypical plumber under the sink.

“I started wearing it last year around midseason,” said Warmack. “It was comfortable for me. I'm not trying to draw any attention to myself, I just feel comfortable like that. I do it in practice, I do it in the game. That's just how I like to do it.”

It was also notable that Warmack, a 6-3, 320-pound three-year starter, was not wearing shoes.

BamaMag.com may have the exclusive explanation for that.

Chance did not have a driver’s license when he came to Alabama. Unlike the vast majority of teenagers, he did not get a license when he turned 16. In fact, he did not get it until last spring. Although he said he could drive, he needed some seasoning, and so his teammates taught him how to drive and he passed his driver’s test.

And he bought a used car – very used, by all accounts.

Regardless of how Warmack may be negotiating in traffic, he is best known for the drives he make against opposing defenders. This week Warmack and his Crimson Tide mates will be back home in Bryant-Denny Stadium for the first time in a month.

Alabama, ranked number one in the nation in all polls, is 7-0 overall and 3-0 in Southeastern Conference games. This week the Crimson Tide hosts the Mississippi State Bulldogs, also undefeated at 7-0 (3-0 in the SEC) and ranked 12th in the Coaches’ Poll and 13th in the Associated Press rankings. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. CDT with television coverage by ESPN.

Warmack has great respect for the Bulldogs. “Mississippi State has always been a tough team,” he said. “They've been a very physical team ever since I've been here. It's always been a hard, physical game and they bring a lot to the table in terms of offense, defense and special teams. We know that going in. We just need to execute on our plays because they're a really physical team.”

Warmack said, “It's a tremendous challenge to start the game strong but at the same time finish. They're going to bring a lot and we know that going in. We're getting ready for it day by day throughout the week. I'm pretty sure they're game-planning for what we're going to do. It's always going to be about who wants it more and who executes more on on the plays. We're coming in with a good game plan and hopefully we'll be on top.”

Warmack was also asked about the transition that Barrett Jones has made from an Freshman All-America right guard on the 2009 national championship team, to an All-America and Outland Trophy winning left tackle on the 2011 national championship team, to center on this year’s Bama squad.

“He’s a guy to learn from,” Warmack said. “He sees adversity and he overcomes it very quickly. I admire that and watch him constantly. He’s been a tremendous leader all around this season.”

Could Warmack have made that transition?

“Oh, yes,” he said. “I think if the role is put on me, I would play center. It’s all about what the team needs.”

And, by the way, he was able to learn to drive.