Alabama Football: Youngsters bolstering the trenches

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama Football has made it clear that it intends to return to its roots this offseason. Under offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, and offensive line coach Eric Wolford, the Crimson Tide looks to improve on the lines of scrimmage and re-establish the run game.

While veterans like JC Latham, Seth McLaughlin, and Darrian Dalcourt will lead the way on the offensive line, and seniors Justin Eboigbe and Time Smith lead the charge on the defensive line, both units are experiencing something of a youth movement. A collection of young players have helped to reinvigorate the lines with the talent and attitude that the Alabama Football program was built on.

Sophomore Tyler Booker has the potential to be a road grader on the interior offensive line, and joins Latham as a fellow product of IMG Academy.  He saw rotational snaps last season, and the Alabama running game was often better when he was on the field. Booker also started at guard in Bama’s Sugar Bowl win over Kansas State, gaining valuable big-game experience. 2023 should be a breakout year for Tyler Booker.

Redshirt freshman Elijah Pritchett was highly touted coming out of high school, but missed the majority of the 2022 season due to an injury. Healthy again, he will have the opportunity to make a push for a starting tackle position. During the A-Day game, Pritchett appeared to still be adjusting to the speed of the game, but he has time to make the necessary improvements before the season kicks off.

True freshman Kadyn Proctor appears to be a plug-and-play type of talent, and will likely appear at either offensive guard or offensive tackle. A 5-star recruit, Proctor is a hulking presence who seems to fit the identity Alabama Football is trying to restore.

On the defensive line, sophomore Jaheim Oatis had a big year as a true freshman in 2022. As a full-time starter in 2023, it is time for Oatis to develop consistency in his performance and establish himself as one of the best interior defensive linemen in college football.

True freshman James Smith was the top-ranked player in the state of Alabama in the class of 2023 and joins Oatis on the interior defensive line. Like Oatis, he seems to be ahead of schedule in his development and could be ready to contribute early in his freshman season. The Alabama defensive line has a lot of older depth pieces that will try to hold off Smith to retain their positions.

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Alabama Football is trying to get back to national championship contention, and it all starts in the trenches.