Alabama football struck quickly in the early signing period with 22 members of the 2020 signing class. Check out our grade for the offensive line position group.
Let’s be honest. While Alabama football fans are happy with the current 22-player, 2020 Signing Class, concerns remain about the offensive line group. Confidence in Nick Saban runs deep. But when the highest-rated offensive lineman, signee is No. 339 in the 2020 class – there are doubts.
It helps some that the player being discussed, Javion Cohen is a 4-Star, who flipped from the Auburn Tigers. Since the Crimson Tide has only signed two offensive linemen in the 2020 class, the next most highly ranked is Seth McLaughlin. Seth is a 3-Star and the No. 470 player in the 2020 class.
In limbo is verbal commit, Damieon George. George did not sign early, reportedly due to concerns over qualifying academically. It has also been rumored Damieon will take more official visits before signing. George is a 3-Star, ranked as the No. 445 player in the 2020 class.
Nothing against any of these young men, but at this point in their careers Alabama football fans have a reason to be skeptical. Is Nick Saban satisfied with the position group of potentially these three players? Alabama football insiders believe McLaughlin and Cohen are significantly underrated. Forget about the stars and player rankings, Saban offered only three centers. If Nick had not been high on McLaughlin, he would have offered more. The other two committed to Washington and Georgia.
Check out Seth’s highlights.
Watching the video, it is not hard to believe the claim McLaughlin was Clemson’s top center prospect. Seth’s value to a team is increased because he can play multiple positions.
Of course, watching videos of high school linemen can mislead due to disparities in the skills of opposing players. Still, in the video below of Javion Cohen, it is easy to see his quickness.
The best thing about McLaughlin and Cohen is the bench is deep for the Crimson Tide. Neither of them has to be an Evan Neal and deliver in a starting role as a freshman. Even if Jedrick Wills, Alex Leatherwood and Landon Dickerson choose NFL early-entry, the Crimson Tide has depth. Darrian Dalcourt, Emil Ekiyor and Pierce Quick are primed for starting roles. Chris Owens, Scott Lashley and Tommy Brown will make six talented guys battling for potentially three starting slots.
Seth McLaughlin, Javion Cohen and either George or another offensive line addition will have time to realize their potential.
Grading the 2020 Crimson Tide Offensive Line Class Potential – ‘B-minus’ with a chance to go higher in February.
The player rankings in this post are from the 247Sports Composite. Check back with Bama Hammer soon as we grade more 2020 class position groups.