Ryan Grubb says what all Alabama fans have been waiting to hear about Michael Carroll

Alabama's offensive line rotation - at least at one critical position - could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.

Speaking to the media on Monday, OC Ryan Grubb was asked about true freshman Michael Carroll, who has seen an increase in snaps at right tackle week to week in place of redshirt sophomore Wilkin Formby.

"He's very close to being an every-down guy," Grubb said about Carroll.

That's music to the ears of Alabama fans who have been begging for a full-time change at RT. Formby has consistently drawn the ire of Tide fans in his two seasons of playing time. He hasn't quite taken the leap that everyone wanted, and Carroll has been a quick study and a revelation as a true freshman.

Formby did grade out well against Georgia, but he's been inconsistent and struggled mightily against Missouri on Saturday. Alabama frequently has a TE lined up next to Formby to "chip" rushers and give him some help. Sometimes that doesn't even help.

Alabama could be close to a full-time change at RT with Carroll over Formby

It has seemed inevitable for weeks that Carroll would eventually supplant Formby as the right tackle. Carroll has had his own struggles, but he brings a nastiness and a mean streak to the offensive line that's been missing. And if both are going to make mistakes, you'd rather those mistakes come from a true freshman instead of a third-year player.

Alabama has rotated eight offensive linemen this season, which has built depth but oftentimes frustrated fans who want to see more consistency out of the offensive line. The Missouri game was rough on tape for the unit as a whole, as evidenced by the coaching staff choosing not to select a "power" player of the week on offense like they usually do.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see the switch happen this weekend against Tennessee. Alabama's offense should be prepared for a shootout against statistically the No. 1 offense in the SEC. The Tide can't afford missed opportunities like we've seen the last couple of weeks.

Formby may still see playing time, but long-term, it seems like they are preparing him for a switch to guard. He has seen snaps at guard the last few weeks next to Carroll. Alabama is looking for consistency from both guard positions, too, with five guys seeing playing time at those spots the last few weeks - starters Kam Dewberry and Geno VanDeMark, along with Formby, Jaeden Roberts, and William Sanders.

Consistency up front is the one thing holding the Alabama offense back from reaching new heights.