MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama offensive lineman Shaun Artz will not play his final season for the Jaguars because of ongoing back problems, but the fifth-year senior will remain with the program as a student assistant coach.
Artz, who started the past two seasons on the offensive line, will work with offensive coordinator Robert Matthews and offensive line coach Chase Smith this fall.
Series of Injuries
Artz’s problems began in the spring of 2012, when he felt a pull in his back while lifting weights. He received treatment and played that season, missing only one game. After the season, which ended with a trip to Hawaii, he underwent back surgery.
He played in every game in 2013 while dealing with periodic issues, and late in the season he took what he described as “a pretty good hit” but finished the year.
During spring practice, Artz noticed he was limping and dragging his left leg while running sprints. He had a second surgery to address a disc problem. The expected recovery time of three to four weeks stretched to six and then eight weeks without relief, and the disc that had been repaired herniated again.
After discussing with his doctor the risk of further injury if he continued to play, Artz talked with his family and coaches and decided to give up playing.
Shaun Artz Moves to the Sideline
“So now I’m in a position where I can help the team and I’ll be on the field,” Artz told AL.com. “I’ll be like a student coach. I’ll help the offense, help coach Smith and coach Matthews, and help out the guys I came in with as a freshman. These guys are like brothers to me and mean a lot to me, and that’s why I want to stick around and be a part of it.”
Artz said the decision has become easier to accept over time. He has played football since he was 6 years old and played every year at South Alabama. He said he hopes his experience in games such as those at Tennessee and Louisiana-Lafayette will help him serve as a link between players and coaches, and that he is willing to help in any role, from holding play cards to working on a headset.
Jones: ‘A Big Loss for Us’
Head coach Joey Jones said Artz made the right decision for his health and future.
“He has done nothing but do great things for us,” Jones told AL.com. “He’s going to be around this fall helping out the coaching staff and doing some things. You never want to lose somebody who has been in that many wars and who is a very competitive guy, so it’s a big loss for us.”
Part of Program’s Early Years
Because South Alabama competed as an unclassified program when Artz arrived, he was able to play during what counted as his redshirt season and was eligible for five seasons of competition.
Last season, Artz helped the Jaguars go 6-6 overall and 4-3 in Sun Belt Conference play, good for third place in the league. South Alabama closed the year with a three-game winning streak, capped by a 30-8 win over Sun Belt co-champion Louisiana-Lafayette. The Jaguars were bowl eligible but did not receive a bowl invitation.
