When he got his first varsity playing time as a sophomore in 2019, Alex Workman lined up at center in one of the Richmond Hill Wildcats’ most notable games when they reached the semifinals in the GHSA 6A state playoffs against Allatoona.

Now, two years down the line, he is the starting right tackle for the Wildcats and is one of 35 seniors on the roster.

The 17-year-old, who also serves as the long snapper for special teams remembers the 2019 season vividly, recalling his first time starting for the Wildcats against the eventual state runners-up.

“My freshman and sophomore year, I started off near the second string,” Workman reflected. “But then the end of my sophomore year, I got my first chance to start in the final four game. Ever since then, it’s been rolling on with playing all the time and getting all the reps I can get.”

Wildcats’ offensive line coach Josh Davis describes Workman as being one of his most reliable players.

“I don’t have to question his work ethic,” Davis said. “He came in undersized and he’s still not big. He came in his sophomore year, and we had to throw him in the final four game to play center. He wasn’t ready but he didn’t back down, took it head on and did a decent job. Last year coming into the season, he was No. 6, but we play with five linemen. So, we knew who we had in our back pocket. He worked his tail off and his number was called, and he hadn’t looked back. He’s here every day and someone I can count on. He does exactly what I tell him to do and holds everyone accountable. He’s one of those guys that I love to have around.”

Workman began playing football at five years old but was afraid of the contact of the sport.

That was up until his mother made him face his fears.

“I started the first year you could,” he said. “And I remember that I used to be scared to hit people, but my mom took me in the backyard and made me get in full pads and picked me up and threw me on the ground and asked me if it hurt, and I was like ‘Nah.’ So ever since then I just love hitting people and getting out there and playing.”

Workman prepares for his Friday nights increasing his water intake along with listening to Grammy-nominated rapper, Lil Baby to get him in the playing mood.

“Preparing for the games is a big thing for me because I have a tough time with keeping myself hydrated,” he said. “Even though I drink a lot of water, I still catch cramps here and there. Before the game, I like to mainly listen to rap most of the time or anything my friends put me on to. I like Lil Baby’s flow. Other than that, it’s just a mixture.”

Workman looked to his teammates for guidance when he first got to Richmond Hill.

Observing his personal growth, he now wants to pass down the knowledge picked up in his final football season as a Wildcat before he graduates in 2022.

“When I came here, I looked at all the older guys like an example to set and wanted to be like them when I get older,” the senior said. “Growing throughout this process of the four years I’ve been here; I’ve played with a whole lot of different guys and learned from them and took it all in.”

Wildcats head coach Matt LeZotte feels that Workman has noticed a great level of maturity for Workman over his years on the team.

“He is a guy that has grown up exponentially over the last couple years,” LeZotte said. “His first game starting was against Allatoona in the semifinals, and he played well. He’s been phenomenal ever since. He’s an extremely athletic young man, gotten so much stronger in the weight room, and highly competitive when the bullet starts flying. He’s exactly what you want from a guy that’s going to compete on the edge for you.”

Outside of football, Workman enjoys nature and hanging out with friends.

“I like to hangout with my friends,” he said. “We go out to our buddy’s house and shoot skeet, go fishing, take our trucks out and get them dirty, and be outside all the time.”

The Wildcat lineman is also a Georgia Bulldog fan with Herschel Walker being his favorite player.

With graduation looming, Workman is mulling over his plans after high school.

All he knows is that he wants to be around positive people that will push him to become a better person.

“Once I graduate, I don’t know what I want to do but hopefully it’s something great,” the soon-to-be grad said. “I just want to go out there and find new people and surround myself with good people that’s going to help me in the future and not take me down a bad way.”