Alabama Football: Nick Saban not ready to quickly butter any cornbread

Alabama football fans have been anticipating the return of offensive lineman Deonte Brown. Nick Saban says he must earn a starting role.

With all the flux in Tuscaloosa from a young and inexperienced roster, constants remain. Alabama football coach Nick Saban’s principles are as solid as a rock. Nothing is given to Alabama football players. All must be earned.

The dazzling Alabama football offense of 2019 is filled with flash. Tua and the best four wide receivers in college football continue to amaze. Longtime Alabama Crimson Tide fans know dazzle alone is never enough. Sometimes it is third or fourth and short – and the logical play is to discard finesse and run up the gut.

There is doubt the Alabama football offensive line has that ‘everything on the line’ physical ability to run over a stalwart opponent. Fans worry the tight ends are ineffective blockers and the center is not near physical enough. True freshman Evan Neal is learning on the job.

Many fans believe redshirt junior, interior lineman, Deonte Brown is the solution. At times in the past, Brown has been the Tide’s most physical run blocker. His physical presence has now been missing for six games due to an NCAA suspension.

Deonte Brown is now eligible to return. But do not look for him to start on Saturday against Ole Miss. Nick Saban was very clear on Monday.

"The plan for every player on the team is the guy has to beat somebody out if he wants to play. I mean, nobody is entitled to play. If he gets in shape, he does what he’s supposed to do and shows he can play better than somebody else is playing, that’s the plan. And that’s kinda up to him. Not up to me."

There should be no doubt in Deonte’s mind what is required. Most Alabama football fans will anxiously await his response. Brown may not be needed to win against Ole Miss, TAMU, Tennessee and Arkansas. But cohesion needs development on the Tide’s offensive line. For Brown to take over at one of the guard spots by LSU week he needs strong practice and game performance during the next four games.

Hopefully, he is up to the challenge. Even if he comes up short, the competition will make all the offensive linemen better.

For those unaware – the butter and cornbread reference in the post title applies to Brown. Teammates call him ‘Cornbread’ which no doubt has something to do with his expansive girth.