FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Alabama’s 2018 playoff roster has a few names that hearken to the Crimson Tide’s legendary championship history. Jay Barker’s son Braxton Barker is on the roster as a walk-on quarterback. Ben Davis, son of all-time leading tackler Wayne Davis is a linebacker. Wes Baumhower, the son of Bob Baumhower, is a linebacker.
Wes Baumhower is a preferred walk-on from Fairhope High School. Baumhower said following in his father’s footsteps was not the main reason for coming to Alabama.
“I came because it was a dream of mine and something I worked for my whole life,” said Baumhower. “He really didn’t encourage me to play football at the beginning. He just wanted me to kind of play the little sports and not get hurt. But football is something I love. It was one of my decisions to come here.”
Baumhower is continuing a family tradition. His older brother also came to Alabama as a walk-on.
“I was aware of the work you have to put in here and what to expect,” he said. “But definitely, it isn’t something you can’t be prepared for. No doubt it has been well worth it, worth all the hard work.”
After his college career at Alabama, Bob Baumhower played for the Miami Dolphins of the NFL from 1977 through 1986. The elder Baumhower made five Pro Bowl teams while playing defensive tackle with the Dolphins.
