Alabama Football: Can opponent offensive tackles block Tide pass rush?
By Ronald Evans
Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss returns three offensive line starters. One of the three played left tackle last season but he is expected to move to left guard. Jeremy James is expected to move from right tackle to the left side. The right-side opening will be filled by Western Kentucky transfer, Mason Brooks.
- Left Tackle – Jeremy James (Junior) 6’5″ and 305 lbs.
- Right Tackle – Mason Brooks (Senior) 6’5″ and 315 lbs.
If Brooks can perform close to as well as he did in the CUSA, the rebuilt Ole Miss line will be solid. Their ability to handle edge rushers is a question.
Offensive Tackle Grade: C
Auburn Tigers
According to Phil Steele, the Tigers will have the 10th best offensive line in college football. Steele is an outstanding source, but he may have missed on this rating. Auburn returns experienced players and the Tigers were above average in pass protection last season. Their weakness was run-blocking. Steele may have rated them too high due to an overly generous estimation of former left tackle Austin Troxell.
- Left Tackle – Kilian Zierer (Senior) 6’7″ and 312 lbs.
- Right Tackle – Austin Troxell (Senior) 6’7″ and 309 lbs.
Offensive Tackle Grade: B
Potential Success vs. Alabama Football Pass Rushers
Which of the eight Crimson Tide opponents will have the best chance of containing a fierce Alabama football pass rush? Maybe Arkansas, and simply because of the Mike Leach quick throw system, Mississippi State.
But all the opposing QBs will be harassed – repeatedly, setting up a strong Crimson Tide secondary for an explosion of interceptions.
Next. QBs will hate facing the Tide this season. dark
A disclaimer is needed – the merits of the tackles cannot be separated from all three o-line positions. Rating offensive line units is a better overall measurement. Plus, barring injuries, rebuilt offensive lines improve during the season.