Alabama football kicked off fall camp Thursday, Aug. 4.
Fans of the Crimson Tide are excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program look to reclaim the crown of national champions. With the start of college football quickly approaching, the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews of the top 30 players on Alabama’s roster.
After previewing Trey Sanders, we have made it to offensive lineman Javion Cohen at No. 16.
Javion Cohen
-Classification: Junior
–Position: Offensive Lineman (Guard)
-Hometown: Phenix City, Ala.
-Height: 6-4
-Weight: 305 pounds
–Strengths: Starting experience, powerful hands, quick feet, strong run-blocker, good in pass protection
-Weaknesses: Missed time in summer camp so fighting for starting role back
SUMMARY:
Javion Cohen was one of Alabama’s most consistent linemen last season.
He played 1,073 snaps across 14 games and totaled 21 knockdown blocks.
Cohen assisted the Crimson Tide to a top-10 offense through several categories. Brian Robinson recorded five 100-yard rushing performances in 2021, including a 200-yard outing (206) versus Cincinnati in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl.
Cohen cleared the way for Robinson to gain 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder did not allow a sack at left guard until the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Georgia. He dominated Jordan Davis and the Bulldogs’ defensive front in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. Cohen’s performance allowed Bryce Youg to toss for 421 passing yards and four total touchdowns. His protection allowed Bryce Young to set single-season school records for passing yards (4,872), touchdown passes (47), and total touchdowns (50). Young became the first Alabama quarterback to win the Heisman Memorial Trophy. Cohen brings starting experience, powerful hands, and quick feet up front.
He is an exceptional run blocker and is good in pass protection. He missed a lot of time in the summer because of learning about his mental health. Kendall Randolph served as first-team left guard in Cohen’s absence. As a sixth-year senior, Randolph played left guard in both of Alabama’s scrimmages in fall camp. Cohen wants to push for his role, but it will be interesting to see how the depth chart falls. He started 14 of 15 games, missing New Mexico State because of a wrist injury. Whoever wins the job between Cohen and Randolph must keep defenders from getting inside to Young. Cohen has more physicality, but Randolph is holding serve.
Cohen knows how to play winning football, but we will see what happens next week.
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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.
