The Alabama football offensive line lost a sure NFL first-rounder in Jedrick Wills. Check out who steps up and what position adjustments will likely occur.
Replacing a first-round offensive lineman is never easy. The Alabama football staff will do more than replace Wills. All of the returning O-line starters could find themselves in new positions.
Depth is a plus for the 2020 offensive line. Among the 15 scholarship players are a graduate transfer senior, two redshirt seniors, a senior, a redshirt junior and two redshirt sophomores. Add in the three redshirt freshman and 12 guys have gone through Scott Cochrane’s 4th-Quarter program at least twice.
All those mature bodies, plus their experience in the program mean the 2020 O-line will be filled with mentally and physically tough players. It has a chance to be one of the most dominating lines in recent years. Four of the most probable starters, Alex Leatherwood, Evan Neal, Landon Dickerson and Deonte Brown are already recognized for tough run-blocking. The quartet plays with an attitude well-suited to running the football. Najee Harris and the Tide’s bevy of running backs will love the 2020 O-line.
Assuming no one beats out the four returning starters, any spring drama will be over who becomes number five. The fifth starter will most likely come from the trio of Chris Owens, Emil Ekiyor and Darrian Dalcourt. Redshirt senior, Owens has the edge in experience. The Alabama football staff understands his strengths and values his leadership ability.
For redshirt sophomore, Ekiyor or sophomore Dalcourt to beat out Owens, they will have to dominate physically. Both have a chance. Returning starters at center provide cohesion in any O-line. Don’t rule out Landon Dickerson moving anyway. He can be a fierce run-blocker at guard.
The tackle positions should be set with Evan Neal and Alex Leatherwood. Deonte Brown and Dickerson at guards is a strong possibility. Owens, Ekiyor, and Dalcourt may battle for the starting center role past spring and well into fall camp. Crimson Tide fans should not underestimate Dalcourt.
Redshirt junior, Kendall Randolph has earned a key role at tight end in short-yardage situations. He could possibly be in the mix on the second-unit offensive line. Pierce Quick, Amari Kight, Tommy Brown and Tanner Bowles will fight for two-deep positions. If one of the true freshmen can become a factor in 2020, Javion Cohen has the best chance.
Check out the following links for other 2020 Position Group Previews. Defensive Back Preview; Linebacker Preview; Wide Receivers and Tight Ends Preview.