Big things are expected from the Alabama offensive line this season and it will be headlined by two tackles who have now joined the Outland Trophy Watch List in Jedrick Wills Jr. and Alex Leatherwood. Both saw their first significant playing time last season as sophomores and each excelled helping Alabama break offensive records.
Leatherwood will make the move back to left tackle this season as both will solidify quarterback Tua Tagovailoas edges in hopes to repeat the offensive onslaught they unleashed on teams in 2018.
The Outland Trophy has been handed out since 1946 and is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football. An interesting part of this particular award is that it is given out to either and offensive or defensive lineman. Over the years Alabama has seen players from both sides of the football take home the trophy. Last season defensive lineman Quinnen Williams took home the award and in 2016 offensive tackle Cam Robinson won.
Two other notable offensive tackles to win the trophy were Barrett Jones (2011), Andre Smith (2008) and Chris Samuels (’99).
Alabama’s history of producing dominant lineman is showing no signs of slowing down.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
