The Crimson Tide has addressed their center position but still needs to finalize their starting tackles.
Have you checked the calendar? It’s August, which means Alabama football is just around the corner. This is the time for football previews and speculation, so let’s dive into one of the most discussed areas: the offensive line, with a focus on the left and right tackles.
The three interior linemen spots seem to be set, but the tackle positions are still up in the air. After years of observing Nick Saban’s patterns, there’s a sense of his usual approach. However, with Saban now focused on the four-letter network and Kalen DeBoer at the helm, there’s a new dynamic. DeBoer, with just four years of FBS coaching experience and two at the Power FBS level, remains somewhat of an unknown. His philosophy on choosing starters and their playing time is still developing.
THE OFFENSE
DeBoer employs an “Air Raid” style offense, characterized by a lot of misdirection and “trick” or “gimmick” plays that get receivers involved as playmakers. The Washington Huskies used a lot of screen passes under him, requiring linemen to be versatile in executing various assignments. Returning Tide linemen, accustomed to the previous “play action/read” scheme, will face a learning curve.
CENTERS
Departures:
- Seth McLaughlin – Transferred to Ohio State.
- James Brockermeyer – Transferred to TCU.
- Darrian Dalcourt – Out of eligibility.
Returning Starter:
- None
Returning Reserve:
- Roq Montgomery (R-FR, 6’3’’ 332) – Initially considered a guard, he’s been working at center, though he may just be providing depth at this point.
Newcomer:
- Parker Brailsford (R-SO, 6’2’’ 275) – Transferred from Washington with his former head coach. Brailsford, a redshirt freshman All-Pac-12 second teamer, is noted for his strength and understanding of the offense. He has quickly become a leader and educator on the team.
Others:
- Geno VanDeMark (R-JR, 6’5’’ 320) – A Michigan State transfer, likely serving as a backup for all three interior positions.
- Joseph Ionata (True-FR, 6’5’’ 294) – Expected to redshirt while developing for future seasons.
GUARDS
Departures:
- Darrian Dalcourt (see Centers)
- TJ Ferguson – Transferred to Florida State.
Returning Starters:
- Tyler Booker (True JR, 6’5’’ 352) – Despite not getting much recognition, Booker has been a standout since his freshman year. Named second team All-SEC last season and preseason first team All-SEC this year, he’s also on the Outland Trophy watch list. There’s speculation he might move to tackle, but this seems less likely now.
- Jaeden Roberts (R-JR, 6’5’’ 316) – A solid performer who stepped up last season, Roberts looks set to retain his starting spot. Named preseason third team All-SEC.
Returning Reserves:
- Olaus Alinen (R-FR, 6’6’’ 326) – A promising young lineman needing further development.
- Roq Montgomery (see Centers)
Newcomers:
- Geno VanDeMark (see Centers)
- Casey Poe (True-FR, 6’4’’ 290) – Regarded as one of the top high school interior blockers for the 2024 class.
- William Sanders (True-FR, 6’3’’ 290) – Expected to redshirt.
TACKLES
Departures:
- JC Latham – NFL first-round pick by the Titans.
Returning Starter:
- Kadyn Proctor (True-SO, 6’7’’ 360) – Although technically new, Proctor is considered a returning starter after his solid performance last season. Despite some early struggles, he improved and has been working with both first and second teams during fall practice. He was named second team All-SEC.
Returning Reserves:
- Wilkin Formby (R-FR, 6’7’’ 320) – Impressive in camp and a potential starter, despite his versatility allowing him to play guard as well.
- Elijah Pritchett (R-SO, 6’6’’ 312) – The most experienced tackle, with some off-field issues but a strong contender for the right tackle spot.
- Miles McVay (R-FR, 6’6’’ 350) – Has shown promise but might need more time to develop.
- Olaus Alinen (see Guards)
Newcomer:
- Naquil Betrand (R-FR, 6’6’’ 340) – A Texas A&M transfer, regarded as a potential contributor, though he didn’t see action last season.
COACH
New offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic brings extensive experience from various programs. He’s known for his ability to rotate players and is open to the idea of rotating tackle candidates based on their performance.
WAY TOO EARLY DEPTH CHART
In recent practices, Alabama’s first-team offensive line featured Pritchett, Booker, Brailsford, Roberts, and Formby from left to right, while the second unit consisted of Proctor, Alinen, Montgomery, VanDeMark, and McVay. However, with ongoing adjustments, it’s still uncertain.
Projected Starters:
- LT: Proctor
- LG: Booker
- C: Brailsford
- RG: Roberts
- RT: Formby (with potential rotation in early games)
First Substitutes:
- First tackle off the bench: Pritchett
- First interior lineman off the bench: VanDeMark
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