For the University of Alabama, its final push in desiring to win a national championship next week comes at the expense of not having an experienced player on its offensive line.
Lester Cotton, who’s in his third year with the Crimson Tide (first-year starter) at right guard, suffered a knee injury during last week’s Allstate Sugar Bowl game against Clemson. He would be helped off the field, and per ESPN columnist Mark Schlabach, the report on the mishap is severe enough to keep the Tuscaloosa native from suiting up for the matchup.
Alabama right guard Lester Cotton has been ruled out for Monday night’s CFP National Championship with a knee injury
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) January 6, 2018
The 6-foot-4, 324-pounder was one of seven linemen signed in Alabama’s 2015 recruiting class, and he has cleared the way for six 100-yard rushing games this season – three for running back Damien Harris and three for quarterback Jalen Hurts. Cotton has blocked for 450 total yards offensively (fourth in Southeastern Conference), 256 yards rushing/game (tenth in NCAA), a conference-high 37.9 points/game and an average of nearly seven yards per play (6.70).
With him out, senior J.C. Hassenauer will fill in.
Along with playing a lot of football in his career, Hassenauer earned SEC’s Offensive Lineman of the Week after his performance against Mercer on senior day at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
When the Tide had Ross Pierschbacher go down at left guard versus Mississippi State back in November, the Minnesota native stepped in and assisted the team on a game-winning drive that ended on a 26-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to freshman wide receiver Devonta Smith.
Reports have even surfaced on the possibility of Jedrick Wills also getting a look at right guard against Georgia. Wills, who was listed at No. 33 on the ESPN 300 in the 2017 recruiting cycle, displays versatility as a tackle and guard.
His size, 6-4/315 pounds, and overall footwork should bode well for Alabama if he gets an opportunity.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
