He may be resting Terrell Lewis and creating depth in the secondary, but this is the first time in a while where the media has seen Nick Saban highly optimistic about Alabama’s offensive line.
After not finding its identity in the run game last season, Saban looks more confident in this group following the team’s sixth day of spring practice. During his presser on Tuesday, he said he feels “pretty good” about this group and how the move to Kyle Flood has been “seamless.”
“It seems to be working really well,” Saban said on players responding to Flood as offensive line coach. “I have been really pleased with some of the young players. They are obviously swimming. Probably the most difficult position that requires more knowledge and experience is the offensive line, but I see ability there.”
Practice Report: Terrell Lewis Nursing Injury
When it comes to players that he has been pleased with, Saban applauded the efforts of Alex Leatherwood (left tackle), Jedrick Wills (right tackle), Chris Owens (working at center), Matt Womack (working at guard) and Emil Ekiyor (working at guard). He is also high on true freshmen in Evan Neal and Darian Dalcourt, both of which were big recruits in the 2019 class.
“I feel pretty good about that group,” Saban said. “They got to develop more consistency in what they are doing, but I feel good about that group and I feel good about the progress they have made.”
The goal for the Crimson Tide is to get the best five guys on the field to not only generate a powerful rushing attack, but to also keep Tua Tagovailoa upright for a strong junior year.
With the athletes it signed and the experience returning, this year’s offensive line has the potential to be one of the best of the Saban era. Alabama will have its seven session on Thursday at 3:30 p.m., and player interviews at 1:00 p.m. — prior to the session at Thomas-Drew Field.
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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.
