Alabama Football finding stability at center

One of the biggest additions of the offseason for Alabama was the transfer portal pickup of former Washington center Parker Brailsford. Brailsford accompanied his head coach and several teammates in the cross-country move to Tuscaloosa, and he fills a major position of need for the Crimson Tide. 

After earning second team All-Pac-12 and first team Freshman All-American Honors last season, Brailsford is expected to be an upgrade at center for the Tide. He anchored a Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line in Seattle, helping to lead the Huskies on an improbable run to the national championship game. 

Heading into his redshirt sophomore season, Parker Brailsford was slated to battle with veteran James Brockermeyer for the starting nod at Alabama. However, Brockermeyer’s unexpected decision to transfer at the end of the spring seemingly made Brailsford the obvious choice. 

Off-field issues caused Brailsford to miss most of spring practice (much to the concern of some Bama fans), but it seems as though he has now settled in in Tuscaloosa. Still, Coach Kalen DeBoer and company were wise to add some insurance in the form of Michigan State transfer Geno VanDeMark. 

The late spring pickup gives Alabama another veteran and a versatile piece on the interior offensive line. VanDeMark will likely be the top backup at one or both of the guard positions. Bama returns the imposing duo of Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts, and getting another experienced player behind them is huge.

VanDeMark also has experience playing center. Though his game reps at that spot have been limited, he is more experienced than any other center option outside of Brailsford. While this is a very valuable job, it’s hard to believe the senior will be content to settle for a reserve role. Expect VanDeMark to push Brailsford and the guards, ultimately making all parties involved better in the long run. 

As an Alabama fan, it’s nice to have a sense of security at one of the most important positions on the field. Center, and the Bama offensive line as a whole, should be much improved in 2024.