Former Alabama offensive center Ryan Kelly was consistent, despite the Crimson Tide having two offensive coordinators– Doug Nussmeier and Lane Kiffin– during his tenure.
Kelly took over at center in 2013 for the departing All-American and decorative player Barrett Jones.
In three seasons (2013-15), he anchored a group that blocked for 36.7 points and 96 rushing touchdowns. He set the edge for an average of 200 yards rushing per game in all three years, while guiding running back Derrick Henry to 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns on 395 carries during his 2015 Heisman run.
Kelly finished 2015 with multiple awards, including a Remington Trophy winner and a Jacobs Blocking Trophy.
He is one of few marquee names from the Crimson Tide that will enter the upcoming NFL Draft. His draft status ranges between first and fifth round, yet Kelly stands as one of the best offensive line prospects. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound center did not participate in the Senior Bowl; however, NFL personnel have been impressed with his work on film.
Ex-NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah and his colleague Matt Miller both are high on Kelly.
Alabama Center Ryan Kelly is one of the best interior OL prospects in the last 5 years. He has all-pro talent.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) February 9, 2016
Of the interior OL guys, Whitehair and Ryan Kelly only two I've seen so far who are Round 1 talents.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 9, 2016
Since Nick Saban’s arrival to Alabama in 2007, ten Crimson Tide offensive linemen have been selected in the NFL Draft.
Left guard Arie Kouandjio and right tackle Austin Shepherd speak to that success, as both were taken in 2015.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future
