Alabama may have its QB1 in Keelon Russell, but plenty of depth chart drama remains. Every Crimson Tide fan knows that without huge improvement by the offensive line, Russell (or Mack) will not be able to excel.
Since the hiring of Adrian Klemm, physicality has been the primary goal for the Crimson Tide's offensive line group. The first goal in being more physical is an effective run game. Without that component, no quarterback can produce enough offensive firepower.
Alabama offensive linemen appear to have embraced Klemm's challenge. New center Cal Poly transfer Racin Delgatty recently said, "We're gonna run the ball this year, I'll tell you that."
Delgatty is taking a big step up in class, going against SEC defensive linemen. He must prove himself, but three more O-line starters must do the same. The right guard position is more than solid, with Michael Carroll being a potential All-American. There is considerable confidence in former 5-star Jackson Lloyd at left tackle. Still, Lloyd is unproven. The left guard and right tackle positions remain undecided after two Fall Camp scrimmages.
At least eight Alabama O-line winners needed
If Alabama opened the season this weekend, the starters at offensive line (from left to right) would be Lloyd, Mal Waldrep Jr. or William Sanders, Delgatty, Carroll, Jayvin James or Nick Brooks. Those seven guys, plus a backup center, are the top prospects to be the eight 'winners' that Klemm, Ryan Grubb, and Kalen DeBoer can count on. The current best guess is that the eighth guy, backing up Delgatty at center, will be Casey Poe.
The Alabama roster has 16 offensive linemen. There is talent among the eight not listed above. If injuries or poor performance force more depth, the two most likely prospects are Tyrell Miller at tackle and Ethan Fields at guard. Casey Poe can play guard as well.
With his JUCO experience, Miller might be more adequate at left tackle. He has both the size and the length to take on edge rushers. Ole Miss transfer Ethan Fields could play guard or tackle. During three seasons in Oxford, Fields played in 19 games, but never as a starter.
When can Crimson Tide fans stop worrying about the offensive line? Alabama should be able to run the ball against Kentucky, and if not, that will be a major red flag. A sterner test will come against Florida State. South Carolina will provide even more challenge. If the Crimson Tide offensive line handles those obstacles, the real test will come against Georgia.
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