Alabama freshman delivers a pancake after coaching sparks a nasty rep in practice

Alabama freshman OL Michael Carroll has always played with a nasty streak. That much was true during his high school career at IMG Academy, and sparked his 5-star ranking, making him one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 recruiting class.

Carroll still has a long way to go to be physically ready and technically refined enough to play offensive line in the SEC, but that mean streak hasn't gone anywhere.

During a practice rep on Wednesday, Carroll did something wrong that caused OL coach Chris Kapilovic to make the true freshman redo the rep. Carroll responded exactly the way Kapilovic wanted, absolutely demolishing his defender with a nasty pancake block.

Carroll has drawn favorable comparisons to Tyler Booker, who was a three-year starter at Alabama before being drafted with the 12th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in April. Carroll seems like a natural replacement, though he might have to wait a year to see real playing time.

Michael Carroll will be relied upon to provide quality depth as a freshman

Alabama is comfortable with six offensive linemen. Kadyn Proctor, Parker Brailsford, and Wilkin Formby are entrenched at their positions, and Alabama has three guards seemingly competing for the two open spots: Jaeden Roberts, Geno VanDeMark, and Kam Dewberry.

But it's vital that during fall camp, Kapilovic uncovers a couple of other linemen who could be relied upon in case of an injury. While Carroll's future seems to be at guard, he has worked a lot with the tackles in spring and now fall camp due to Alabama's lack of numbers on the outside.

He'd only be called upon to play in an emergency this season, but depth on the offensive line is vital, so that one single injury doesn't completely derail your season.

His development will also be key because Alabama will almost certainly be replacing four of its five starters and the sixth man. Roberts, VanDeMark, and Dewberry are in their final season of collegiate eligibility. Proctor is widely expected to be an early entrant into the 2026 NFL Draft as a projected high draft pick. Brailsford could theoretically come back for a fifth year, but most expect him to enter the draft after this season, too.

As a 5-star prospect, Carroll will be expected to step in and start next season to replace what the Crimson Tide is losing. If his work ethic continues to match his talent, and he doesn't lose that nastiness, his developmental track should lead to stardom.