The wait is almost over. Alabama is set to kick off its fall camp as players report back to Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Thursday before opening up practice on Friday. Before Alabama hits the practice field, BamaInsider.com will take a look at each of the position groups. We continue our series today by examining the offensive line.
Where things stand now
Alabama essentially has six players competing for five starting spots across its offensive line. While the Crimson Tide loses a three-year starter in center Bradley Bozeman, it returns the rest of the unit that helped the offense average 444.07 yards per game last season.
Despite having four returning starters, Alabama was forced to shuffle its front this spring. Left tackle Jonah Williams was the only returner to keep his spot from last year. Ross Pierschbacher moved from left guard to center and was replaced by Lester Cotton, who moved over from right guard. Starting right tackle Matt Womack missed the entire spring with a broken foot and was replaced by sophomore Alex Leatherwood, while fellow sophomore Jedrick Wills slipped inside to right guard.
The experimenting did not come without growing pains as the line struggled at times, especially in pass protection. While frustrating, those problems should be solved in time for the season as the unit gels during fall camp.
“I think that’s probably the position group that takes the longest, to be honest,” Pierschbacher said during SEC Media Days. “A lot of people don’t have patience for it, but it is a long, drawn-out journey. I don’t think there’s really a timetable for it. I just think it depends on how good the experience is on the offensive line and stuff like that.”
What we expect
The starting five this spring could be the one we see on Sept. 1 when Alabama faces Louisville for its season-opener. Williams looks set at left tackle after making the switch from the right side before his sophomore season. Pierschbacher’s switch to center also seems to be a success as the redshirt senior appears more comfortable now than he did when Alabama tried him at the position two years ago. From there, the possibilities are endless.
Due to his experience, Cotton should nail down one of the two guard positions, which leaves Womack, Wills and Leatherwood to fight for the remaining two spots. Womack was reliable last season, starting in all 14 games. However, former five-stars Leatherwood and Wills will be tough to keep off the field. Wills improved significantly during the season, earning a start against Ole Miss, while Leatherwood filled in nicely for Williams in the second half of the national championship game.
It’s a tough call, but the starting five this spring enter camp as the favorites.
Potential surprise
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has been a strong proponent of playing the best five offensive linemen regardless of their previous position. Don’t be surprised if we see something new this fall.
Wills and Womack have already shown they can play both the tackle and guard positions which could open up some possibilities going forward. That flexibility will allow for even more shuffling if Alabama elects to do so.
Alabama could also see a new competitor step into the starting mix. While the Crimson Tide lost key reserves in Brandon Kennedy and Dallas Warmack to transfers, it still has plenty of depth. Scott Lashley is a name to watch at tackle, while fellow redshirt sophomore Deonte Brown could make a push at one of the guard spots. Redshirt senior Joshua Casher has also stepped up as a leader in the locker room and could be a dark horse to receive playing time.
