Alabama Football: The Tide vs. Arkansas State two-deep, plus roster notes
By Ronald Evans
Offensive Line
Left Tackle
Starter: Jonah Williams, Junior
The preseason All-America tackle is the leader of the Crimson Tide big uglies. He will not come out except for injury or when the entire second-unit enters the game.
Backup: Alex Leatherwood, Sophomore
The Official Depth Chart says otherwise but we believe Leatherwood is the swing tackle as well as the starting right guard. Leatherwood had some problems in the first half against Louisville. The entire first unit got off to slow start but played well in the second half of the Louisville game.
Reserve: Scott Lashley, Redshirt Sophomore
Left Guard
Starter: Lester Cotton, Senior
There has never been any doubt about Cotton’s strength or ability as a run blocker.
Backup: Josh Casher, Redshirt, Senior
Casher will be the second unit guard. If Cotton goes down during the Louisville game, Deonte Brown might be the next guy in.
Center
Starter: Ross Piersbacher
Ross Piersbacher was also named a preseason All-American. He is known for smarts and consistency though not highly rated for physicality. His ability to understand and call blocking assignments is a big plus.
Backup: Chris Owens, Redshirt Sophomore
The Tide would give up nothing physically with Owens in the game. He has no meaningful experience calling blocking assignments.
Right Guard
Starter: Alex Leatherwood, Sophomore
As we mentioned, Alex started off slow against Louisville. He is still the most versatile offensive lineman. Nick Saban has said he can play guard or either of the tackle positions. His greatest strength is run blocking.
Backup: Donte Brown, Redshirt Sophomore
Deonte Brown is and has been one of the strongest guys on the team. His problem has always been weight. Some insiders say he spent most of his first year in Tuscaloosa around 385 pounds. Insiders say he may be close to 335 pounds now. If he can maintain his weight, he can be the swing guard this season.
Right Tackle
Starter: Jedrick Wills, Sophomore
Wills can play guard or tackle but has settled in at right tackle. Like Leatherwood, he is a powerful run blocker. He is also quick enough to handle edge rushers. Wills played very well against Louisville.
Backup: Alex Leatherwood, Sophomore
Although Leatherwood missed a key block in last season’s national championship game, overall he did well filling in for the injured Jonah Williams. The Alabama football staff likes him better at guard but he is probably the swing tackle. If Wills goes down and Alex slides out and is replaced at guard by Deonte Brown, the Tide’s run blocking will not suffer.
Tight Ends
Starter: Hale Hentges, Senior
Hentges is a solid run blocker. He can catch passes as well if the new offensive schemes utilize the tight ends more.
Backup: Irv Smith Jr., Redshirt Junior
Smith is the best receiver among all the tight ends. He has enough speed to be a tough cover for linebackers.
Reserve: Kedrick James, Sophomore
James could be the best of the three overall. We place him only slightly behind Smith because of less experience.
Tight End – H Back
Starter: Irv Smith Jr., Redshirt Junior
Backup: Miller Forristall, Redshirt, Sophomore