Sorting through and finding the right five-man combination for the offensive line is as important as the QB battle for Alabama in fall camp. It's arguably even more important. While there's confidence among fans that either Austin Mack or Keelon Russell can provide high-level play at the QB position, there's less confidence in an unproven group up front.
Alabama underwent massive changes from last season and will return only one player with starting experience from the 2025 team in rising sophomore Michael Carroll, who is transitioning from right tackle to his more natural position of right guard.
Alabama brought in some transfers with starting experience, including projected starters at center (Racin Delgatty) and right tackle (Jayvin James). How quickly Alabama can settle on the best five up front to give them adequate time to gel as a unit will be pivotal to how quickly they can get rolling during the season.
Alabama has position battles at LG and at RT right now, with spots at LT, C, and RG established. While most have assumed that junior William Sanders was a shoo-in at left guard, his absence during the spring and summer opened the door for sophomore Mal Waldrep Jr. to wrestle the job away. The battle isn't over, but Waldrep has positioned himself nicely to earn the role.
While Waldrep pushing for a starting spot might surprise some, it isn't a surprise for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.
"I think maybe he might be potentially ahead of schedule for what maybe some people thought, but we always knew he was tough and smart and dependable, and that’s really what has shown up: a physical football player," Grubb said after practice on Monday.
Mal Waldrep has positioned himself nicely in the competition for Alabama's starting LG
Waldrep has taken advantage of the opportunity he got with Sanders sidelined, and he may not give the job back. Sanders missing the summer as well as the spring put him behind, and he's got a long way to climb to overtake the talented sophomore.
The competition at that spot is good news for Alabama. They'll make each other better.
One of the things that has stood out the most for Waldrep has been his ability to communicate calls up front. That's not always easy for a second-year player, so Waldrep grasping the mental side of playing on the offensive line is just as vital as his physical ability.
"Mal Waldrep has been a guy who is a good echo player. You’re hearing the calls come back from Mal," Grubb said. ..." I think when the voice comes from the inside-out to those guys, the lines of communication are a lot cleaner. The gel will happen a lot quicker when you get that voice inside-out."
The competition certainly isn't over, but all the intel so far points to Waldrep having the inside track. Sanders has time to make up ground, and the first scrimmage of fall camp this Thursday will provide an opportunity for Sanders, and others with ground to make up, to push up the depth chart.
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