Projecting Alabama’s starting OL vs. Middle Tennessee State
When Sept. 2 rolls around and Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide welcome in Middle Tennessee State to open up the 2023 football season, there will be plenty of eyes on which players trot onto the field as starters for the Tide.
One position group that is certain to have people’s attention is the offensive line. Alabama fans are hungry for physical play along the offensive line and there have been some key battles going on throughout fall camp, most notably on the left side.
With kickoff in less than two weeks, let’s project Alabama’s starting offensive line when they take on the Blue Raiders under the lights of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Left Tackle | No. 74 Kadyn Proctor
The battle for left tackle has been fierce throughout fall camp but it appears that freshman phenom Kadyn Proctor has overtaken redshirt freshman Elijah Pritchett as the starter. Proctor is the future of the Alabama offensive line and will likely go through some growing pains early on, but by mid-season should be one of the better players in the league.
Left Guard | No. 52 Tyler Booker
Booker recently made the move from right guard to left in essence to help the freshman Proctor with assignments on the left side. Booker has mainly been on the right side throughout fall camp and his move to the left side could be brief depending on how fast Proctor picks up his duties.
Center | No. 56 Seth McLaughlin
Seth has been a mainstay on the Alabama offensive line for a couple of seasons now. The veteran center doesn’t overwhelm anyone with his physical presence, he simply gets the job done for the Tide and is one of the most underappreciated players on the roster.
Right Guard | No. 71 Darrian Dalcourt
If there is anyone among the five starters who is most likely to be replaced it is veteran Darrian Dalcourt. Dalcourt has started a ton of games for the Tide and is a good player but doesn’t have the greatest upside. Young players behind will be pushing him all throughout the season and I wouldn’t be shocked if he was replaced at some point.
Right Tackle | No. 65 JC Latham
JC Latham is one of the premier tackles in college football and with a strong junior season in 2023, could potentially be a top 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Latham is a leader for the Alabama offense and will be one of the best players on the team regardless of position.
Other names to watch
Terrence Ferguson
Elijah Pritchett
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