During his presser on Wednesday, Nick Saban unveiled another starter or potential starter for Alabama football on its offensive line.
For a group that is flooded with experience and talent, Emil Ekiyor Jr. has emerged as one of seven players that Saban views as starters up front. Only five guys can be on the field at one time, but Saban looks at Ekiyor as one of those individuals.
He performed well at right guard in the final scrimmage of preseason camp, helping the running backs have a strong outing and protecting all three quarterbacks to have great numbers. Ekiyor arrived in the Crimson Tide’s 2018 signing class as a four-star and has played in 12 career games. A native of Indianapolis, Ind., he showcased versatility at Cathedral High School in playing both center and guard.
His father, Emil Ekiyor Sr., was an incredible athlete who played for the Atlanta Falcons, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League.
Although he came in at 338 pounds, the redshirt sophomore lost 14 pounds (324) and is in great shape at 6-foot-3.
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According to Saban, Ekiyor will get a lot of playing time.
“He’s played really well,” Saban said of Ekiyor. “He has had a really good camp. He has got very good power. He is very smart as a player. He can play multiple positions at center and guard. We look at him as a starter and he can start at multiple positions for us.”
Alabama has its two offensive tackles — Alex Leatherwood and Evan Neal — and its left guard in Deonte Brown.
With Landon Dickerson’s versatility at center and guard, he may end up starting the season at center. This leaves the right guard spot open for Ekiyor and after hearing Coach Saban, the third-year player projects to be starter at the position.
The Tide is in position to win the Joe Moore Award with this group on the line.
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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.
