Everyone knows that the effectiveness of a good running back is often measured by the quality of his offensive line.
Many believe Alabama took a step in the right direction in terms of re-laying the roots of developing both by picking up star NC State transfer RB Hollywood Smothers out of the portal on Monday evening. For Tide fans, this acquisition being the first big domino to fall in Alabama's favor feels a bit premature after seeing five offensive linemen hit the portal and hearing about starting center/team captain, Parker Brailsford, decide to forgo his final season of eligibility to take his talents to the NFL Draft.
Kadyn Proctor is also expected to forgo his senior campaign, being projected as a first-roundselection. So what's next? Smother's addition seems promising, but like all good tailbacks, you're nothing without your offensive line. This non-negotiable is why I believe Kalen DeBoer and Alabama's football GM Courtney Morgan should turn their attentions to signing former NC State offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak.
Alabama should go all in to land NC State OT Jacarrius Peak
Peak is the No.1 rated offensive tackle in the transfer portal, per Saturday Blitz, after logging 33 starts and over 2,202 career snaps under his belt during his time in Raleigh. The Georgia native fits the mold of what DeBoer and Alabama want at the position from a makeup standpoint, standing 6-foot-4, and weighing 308 pounds.
Peak was a main ingredient upfront in Smothers' success, leading the way as Smothers rushed 939 yards on 160 total carries for six touchdowns. This production was good enough to leave Smothers 2nd in the ACC in rushing.
Peak's impact also helped him set up key blocks in NC State's intermediate game, with Smothers reeling in 37 receptions for 189 yards and an additional touchdown in 2025.
Peak was a brick house in pass protection, contributing at both right and left tackle spots depending on matchups, only allowing 13 pressures and three sacks through 13 games. This high-level play also helped Peak gain recognition as an All-ACC Honorable mention last fall. Peak and Smothers were undoubtedly the engines that powered NC State's offensive attack in 2025. For these reasons, this is why I believe Alabama's next step in the transfer portal should be reuniting Peak with Smothers in Tuscaloosa, ASAP!
The Peak and Smothers pairing could also help change the dynamic of the Crimson Tide offense after having their worst statistical season in terms of yards per carry since stats first started being tracked in 1946. Of course, Smothers and Peak can't save the day alone, but if he joins his former teammate and decides to take his talents to Alabama, this signing would easily be a huge step in doing so.
Peak seems like the full package to me after what I've seen. It'll be interesting to see if DeBoer and company can make this scenario a reality. If so, those will be the first steps taken to successfully restore Alabama's offense in 2026.