He has been outspoken on social media, when it comes to social justice, but his number is about to be called to help Alabama football secure its 18th national championship in school history.
According to reports from Chris Low (ESPN) and Cole Cubelic (ESPN), along with yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine (citing sources), Landon Dickerson suffered ‘significant’ ligament damage to his knee in the Southeastern Conference title matchup against Florida and will not compete in the College Football Playoff.
Since coming to Alabama from Florida State, Dickerson is one of the most popular players on the team. His personality makes everyone better; however, his heart for the game and the University of Alabama is what has drawn Nick Saban to him. He led an offensive line that’s produced three Heisman contenders — Mac Jones, Najee Harris and DeVonta Smith — while helping the group total 40 points in 10 straight contests.
Gut wrenching news out of Tuscaloosa.
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) December 20, 2020
According to respectable sources, yours truly of @TDAlabamaMag has learned that Landon Dickerson does have ‘significant’ ligament injury to his knee. He is not expected to play in the CFP.
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) December 20, 2020
With him out, the Tide turns to Chris Owens as the next man up.
A redshirt senior from Arlington, Texas, Owens has played nine of 11 games as a backup center and right tackle.
RELATED: Landon Dickerson out for the College Football Playoffs with knee injury
He saw action in all 11 games in 2019, including four starts at center and tight end. Owens even played in 13 matchups during his sophomore season in 2018 as a backup center and reserve at right tackle. The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder has experience, but can he carry the same mentality and production of Dickerson? We will definitely see as the CFP semifinal kicks off on New Year’s Day.
The tandem of Emil Ekiyor Jr. and Darrian Dalcourt are behind Owens.
Both players have more upside, in terms of talent and potential, and Dalcourt has game experience at the position.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, the Maryland native earned 69 snaps in seven games as a freshman.
He has played in five matchups this year behind Dickerson at center. Dalcourt carries a little more of the “dog mentality” Dickerson has, while possessing the natural talent at center that resembles former Crimson Tide standout, Antione Caldwell.
RELATED: Alabama ranked No. 1 in final CFP rankings, will play Notre Dame
For now, Owens is the immediate next man up.
Alabama is trying to win two games and capture the CFP National Championship trophy for the third time since the venue started in 2014.
This is a huge opportunity for Owens to step up and help his team.
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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.
