Post-spring depth chart projections for Alabama’s offensive line
Now that spring football has officially wrapped up and the 2023 NFL draft is complete, it is time to shift our focus to the offseason.
Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide have a ton of questions marks exiting spring and fans are chomping at the bit for answers.
So as we dive into the dog days of summer, I thought we could take a look, position by position, and project the possible depth chart for the 2023 Alabama football team post-spring.
We have already taken a look at the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends and today we will wrap up the offensive side of the ball with the offensive line!
Let’s roll!
Position Breakdown
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In 2022, the Alabama offensive line showed a lot of improvements from the previous season. With the nucleus of that unit returning in 2023 with guys like JC Latham, Tyler Booker, and Seth McLaughlin, the offensive line could be a real strength of the Alabama offense. Finding consistent play on the left side will be critical this fall for second-year offensive line coach Eric Wolford.
Left Tackle
AP Photo/Vasha Hunt
Starter | |
Backup | Wilkin Formby |
Redshirt freshman Elijah Pritchett held on to the left tackle spot all throughout spring practice but was put under fire during the A-Day game. True freshman Kadyn Proctor appears to be closing the gap on Pritchett and this is a competition that is sure to be fierce once fall camp arrives.
Left Guard
AP Photo/Vasha Hunt
Starter | Darrian Dalcourt or Terrence Ferguson |
Backup | Olaus Alinen or Roq Montgomery |
Much like the left tackle spot it appears that Darrian Dalcourt is the front-runner, but I believe it is too early to count out Terrence Ferguson. Dalcourt has a wealth of experience and you can’t completely discount that. From an upside standpoint, Ferguson probably has the advantage but this battle is far from over in my humble opinion.
Center
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Starter | Seth McLaughlin |
Backup | Darrian Dalcourt |
Depth | James Brockermeyer or Terrence Ferguson |
Once again anchoring the middle of the Alabama offensive line will be veteran center Seth McLaughlin. While McLaughlin may now wow you with his physical appearance or skill set, he simply gets the job done by calling the signals along the offensive line and consistently beating his man. I expect Darrian Dalcourt to backup McLaughlin who also has several starts at center for the Tide and will provide really solid depth there.
Right Guard
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Starter | Tyler Booker |
Backup | Olaus Alinen or Jaeden Roberts |
Depth | Roq Montgomery |
Even as a sophomore, Tyler Booker is one of the nation’s top interior offensive linemen. Booker has future first-round pick written all over him. Booker quickly emerged as a true freshman last season and worked his way into the starting lineup. Backing up Booker could potentially be true freshman Olaus Alinen who really impressed the coaching staff this spring.
Right Tackle
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Starter | JC Latham |
Backup | Kadyn Proctor |
Depth | Miles McVay or Wilkin Formby |
JC Latham is one of the premier tackles in college football and along with Tyler Booker, will make for one of the most formidable right sides in the country. 2023 will likely be it for Latham with the Crimson Tide as the junior will probably declare early for the NFL draft and become a first-round selection in 2024. The depth behind Latham is littered with true freshmen who show signs of promising futures.
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