It has been the quarterback conversation that’s dominated offseason news; however, more is needed to be discussed for the University of Alabama football program in terms of position battles as fall practice makes its way in.
While the Crimson Tide is set at running back, wide receiver, tight end and in some areas on defense, questions are rising about its offensive line, defensive line (nose guard) and defensive secondary.
For a school coming off its fifth national championship under Nick Saban, the goal to win back-to-back College Football Playoff titles is in reach but all things must be in order.
Although he named Lyndell “Mack” Wilson as quarterback of the defense, Saban knows this year’s team will depend on young players to contribute. In knowing this, listed below are the top four position battles – excluding quarterbacks – for Tide fans to focus on.
LEFT CORNERBACK
Things did not pan out well for Saivion Smith at Louisiana State University, but a successful stint at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College landed him at Alabama. He had a great spring and according to local media personnel, Smith appears to be safe at right cornerback.
The left corner spot, on the other hand, seems to be a mystery.
After earning the starting job in 2017 at fall camp, Trevon Diggs encountered some struggles in the Tide’s season opener against Florida State.
Levi Wallace replaced him and would ultimately become a critical factor in assisting the team to a national title. Despite returning Diggs to the roster, Alabama also signed three talented true freshmen in Patrick Surtain Jr, Josh Jobe and Jalyn Armour-Davis for 2018.
According to sources, both Surtain and Jobe looked the part in summer workouts and Surtain in particular is one that looks to supplant Diggs at left corner.
RIGHT TACKLE
Regardless of the move not working in Alabama’s spring game, the idea of Jedrick Wills at offensive guard remains in motion. Should he line up at right guard this fall, there is a three-man race for right tackle and its starts with returning starter and rising junior, Matt Womack.
Womack missed all of spring due to a foot injury, but solidified the Tide at right tackle last season. He set the edge for Damien Harris’ second straight 1,000-yard campaign, while helping the offensive front be a finalist for the Joe Moore Award. Womack earned his highest grade on assignments versus Fresno State, which was a 90, and earned SEC Lineman of the Week honors.
Behind Womack lies Scott Lashley and Alex Leatherwood.
Leatherwood entered the national title game for an injured Jonah Williams at left tackle and aided Tua Tagovailoa to have a monster second half. The 6-foot-6, 304-pounder allowed his five-star quarterback to toss three touchdown passes – including one to win the game in overtime.
Hailing from Pensacola, Fla., Saban has been very impressed with Leatherwood and wants to create a role for him. He envisions both he and Wills to be valued pieces, yet the duo must develop consistency.
He played in three games as a redshirt freshman; nevertheless, Lashley has the potential of becoming much more with his size. At 6’7″ and 313 pounds, the Mississippi native fits the ideal look at offensive tackle that Saban wants. Aside from Barrett Jones and Jonah Williams, no one has taken snaps at either tackle position that was not at least 6-foot-6.
A lot of this will hinge on the final move for Wills, but Womack, Leatherwood and Lashley are options on the right side.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
This position has depth, but who will emerge to replace Da’Ron Payne?
Quinnen Williams is the popular choice. He finished fourth on the team in tackles for loss with 6.5 and turned in two sacks in 2017. Listed at 6-4 and 289 pounds, the Birmingham native possess elite quickness to pair with his size. Prior to pursuing the National Football League, former Tide star Jonathan Allen told the media that Williams would be the next huge name.
After Williams, the Tide has others – including Johnny Dwight, Phidarian Mathis, Stephon Wynn, Christian Barmore, LaBryan Ray and Tevita Musika – that can play at nose guard. The luxury of having Raekwon Davis and Isaiah Buggs on opposite sides of this position is great, but Alabama still needs to locate someone who will clog the middle.
LEFT GUARD
Two seniors will compete for this role.
Lester Cotton, a Tuscaloosa native, may be the most powerful lineman of the bunch. He has strong hands, but at 6’4″ and 325 pounds, his footwork at times is a concern. He started 13 games at right guard and earned his best grade of 89 versus Clemson. Cotton blocked for a game-high 141 rushing yards, before sustaining a knee injury that forced him out of the national title game.
Joshua Casher, a Mobile native, has experience at guard and center but more than likely will handle a role at guard. He notched his highest amount of snaps in 2017 with 16 versus Mercer inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. Casher is smaller than Cotton at 290 pounds, but has just as much ability.
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 @CoachingMSmith.
