Alabama Football Position Group Countdown: Looking for proof

8. Center

Center was a glaring position of need for the Crimson Tide following the conclusion of the 2023 season, regardless of whether or not Seth McLaughlin chose to return. A proven player, McLaughlin clearly had something psychological going on last year in terms of snapping the football. While I won’t say he singlehandedly cost the Crimson Tide games, he certainly made them more difficult than they had to be. 

McLaughlin has now moved on to Ohio State, and Bama will likely replace him with Washington transfer Parker Brailsford. Brailsford, a redshirt sophomore, is a young but experienced player who did very well in the PAC-12. For most Alabama fans, he will still have to prove himself in the SEC.

Additionally, former 4-star recruit James Brockermeyer enters his fourth year in the program and will not just lay down and give Brailsford the job. To what degree is unknown, but there will be competition at the center position in spring practice.

Alabama needs to be improved at this position in 2024.