Alabama football is replacing both its offensive tackles from 2021.
Evan Neal could be the Crimson Tide’s first No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft since Harry Gilmer in 1948, while Chris Owens heads to the next level too. Nick Saban returns talent to Alabama’s roster on the front line, but he wants to get the best five players on the field.
The Tide opened spring practice on Friday, and Saban outlined the intense competition at tackle.
He named several players competing at both spots, including Damieon George, Javion Cohen, Kendall Randolph, JC Latham, and Tommy Brockermeyer. Alabama has been moving guys around during the offseason to get the best mixture. Saban mentioned George, Cohen, and Latham as options for guard or tackle. He and Eric Wolford have worked to do this spring.
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“They have worked hard in the offseason,” Saban said about the players competing at offensive tackle. “I think they are in better condition. They have improved their bodies.”
Saban is encouraged by George’s progress, and he appreciates the work from Randolph, Latham, Cohen, and Brockermeyer.
Brockermeyer, a five-star in the 2021 class, battled through injuries in the offseason. The native Texan will contribute in spring per Saban. Alabama allowed 39 sacks of Bryce Young last year. Tide fans want to see a better group under Wolford in the fall.
It will be interesting to see which players win both tackle roles.
A dominant offensive line gets Alabama a national championship.
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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.
