There's optimism beginning to emanate from Tuscaloosa about the Alabama offensive line. Tide fans will need to see it to believe it, but there's reason to believe things will improve from last year, even if it takes a few weeks into the season for all the hard work to bear fruit.
A big reason for the optimism is new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm, who appears to be paying quick dividends in Tuscaloosa.
Klemm isn't bringing a change in scheme, but he is bringing a change in attitude, providing his room with confidence that they are being coached properly, and that what he's teaching them is going to pay off when the games start.
That confidence was on full display on Wednesday after practice when reporters spoke to Cal Poly transfer center Racin Delgatty.
"We're gonna run the ball this year, I'll tell you that," Delgatty said.
That attitude and that confidence come directly as a result of Klemm's coaching. They are determined to change the narrative from last season, even with it being almost an entirely new starting group. It all starts with being physical at the point of attack.
"I say the biggest thing he’s taught me is how to be really physical," Delgatty said. "I’m already a physical guy; you guys have probably seen my tape at Cal Poly, but man, he’s all about striking, putting guys in the dirt. He’s all about that.”
Adrian Klemm is changing the attitude of Alabama's offensive line
The changes might not be immediate, but Alabama's offensive line is going to improve in 2026. There's already a belief that they are starting to gel as the Crimson Tide gets closer to formalizing the starting five.
Klemm, in conjunction with new TE coach Richard Owens, will work together to improve the Tide's ground game. There's a confidence that Alabama will run the ball a lot more effectively this season, and that starts up front.
Alabama's running backs should be improved, assuming AK Dear and EJ Crowell can get healthy, but the offensive line taking a step forward is the single most important thing for the Crimson Tide this season. If that happens, this team will be a title contender.
There's more to playing offensive line than just knowing the right scheme and who to block and why. In order to be one of the best in the country, there's a certain level of nastiness and physicality that comes with it. That's the recipe that Klemm has brought, and the entire room is buying into it.
"With Coach Klemm, we’re coming to battle," Delgatty said.
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