Alabama named Darrian Dalcourt as its starting center to open the season against Utah State, but there is a reason why Crimson Tide fans want to see more of Seth McLaughlin.
Dalcourt, a Maryland native, arrived as a four-star guard/center prospect in 2019.
RELATED: Two Alabama DL to see more playing time with Justin Eboigbe out
He brings the size and talent on the offensive line, but McLaughlin brings the grit and run-blocking capabilities that the Tide loves. As a former three-star from Buford, Ga., McLaughlin arrived in Alabama’s 2020 recruiting class. He played 10 games during his sophomore year in 2021, including three starts in the postseason. The Tide struggled to find the right anchor at center until McLaughlin took the field in the third quarter versus Auburn in the Iron Bowl. He stabilized the offensive front and gave Bryce Young a chance to execute the game-tying touchdown drive in the fourth quarter to force overtime. McLaughlin took his performance from the Tigers and dominated Georgia’s defensive front in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.
He propelled Brian Robinson to a 200+ yard performance in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. The 6-foot-4, 295-pounder plays with a hard-nosed toughness that resembles former Tide standout Landon Dickerson. McLaughlin got his first start of the season at center last week against Arkansas. He is making it difficult for Nick Saban to have Dalcourt over him, especially how he cleared the way for Jalen Milroe and Jahmyr Gibbs. McLaughlin took the Razorbacks’ best tackler (Bumper Pool) out of the way on three 70+ yard runs, including two 70+ yard touchdowns from Gibbs. He sealed the backside to spring Gibbs for a career performance.
The Georgia Tech transfer became Alabama’s first 200-yard rusher (206) of the season because of McLaughlin.
He made sure the SEC’s best pass-rush defense did not go off on Bryce Young. The Tide allowed one sack but totaled 317 yards rushing and five rushing touchdowns. McLaughlin is a strong pass protector, but he is a natural road grader. He loves to get his hands inside defensive linemen and linebackers and drive them around on run plays. McLaughlin is about toughness and physicality, and Saban needs more guys like him on the line. It’s time to go to McLaughlin as the SEC schedule gets tougher.
*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.
