Alabama’s offensive line received a boost on Tuesday as transfer Tyler Steen committed to the Crimson Tide from Vanderbilt.
Steen, who stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 315 pounds, possesses versatility as an offensive tackle.
RELATED: Former Vanderbilt OL Tyler Steen announces transfer to Alabama
A native of Miami, Fla., he saw action in 45 career games since arriving in 2018. Steen started his collegiate tenure for the Commodores as a defensive line, but he served on offense from 2019 to 2021. He started all 33 games during this time, including 21 starts at left tackle. Jim Nagy, the executive director for the Reese’s Senior Bowl, has Steen as one of the top linemen on his board for the 2023 NFL Draft. He held his own versus elite defensive units for Florida and Georgia last season. Bryce Young, a junior quarterback, said he is ‘excited’ to welcome Steen in. The reigning Heisman winner said it’s ‘big’ to have help upfront.
“Anytime you can get help at a position like that, it’s huge,” Young said Tuesday about the Crimson Tide getting Steen from the portal. “This spring has been tough on our offensive linemen with the small we’ve had throughout practice.”
Coach Nick Saban said at the start of practice that Alabama had a few linemen banged up.
Darrian Dalcourt and James Brockermeyer have missed practice, while Emil Ekiyor has been in and out of the lineup. Tommy Brockermeyer has battled injuries as well. Young is looking forward to having his guys healthy for fall camp, but he appreciates Steen coming in to help the offense. He brings Southeastern Conference experience, leadership, and big-game experience to the unit. The addition of Steen cuts Alabama’s concerns in half. He can play either tackle position, and Eric Wolford (offensive line coach) can plug JC Latham or Kendall Randolph at the other spot. Latham, a sophomore, lined up at right tackle in the team’s second scrimmage. Saban wants to allow Randolph a chance to win the left tackle job, but having Steen makes it difficult.
RELATED: Alabama fans react to transfer OL Tyler Steen committing to the Crimson Tide
Randolph might be back to C-gap blocking tight end in special packages.
Steen gives Alabama experience, depth, and a shot to return to a Joe Moore Award-caliber front line. If he starts, Steen becomes the third starting offensive tackle under 6’6″ in the Saban era at Alabama. Jonah Williams (6’5″) and Barrett Jones (6’5″) measured under 6-foot-6 at left tackle, but both became Unanimous All-Americans for the Tide.
Landon Dickerson was the most recent offensive line transfer for Alabama.
He came in 2019 from Florida State and anchored the Tide at the center position. Dickerson was beloved by fans and teammates as he became a team captain in 2020. He paced Alabama’s offense to have a 4,000+ yard passer (Mac Jones), a 1,400+ yard rusher (Najee Harris), and a 1,800+ yard receiver (DeVonta Smith).
Dickerson’s excellence allowed the Tide to have three Heisman finalists – Jones, Harris, and Smith – and a Heisman winner (Smith) that season. He helped Alabama to an undefeated College Football Playoff National Championship and earned Unanimous All-American honors. Dickerson won first-team All-SEC, the Rimington Trophy (nation’s top center), and SEC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy for his efforts.
Crimson Tide fans hope Steen provides the same effect for this offensive line.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
