Alabama football may have the aggressive offensive line it needs.
It did not get a consistent push in the running game last year, but the Crimson Tide has focused on imposing its will against the opposition. Alabama returns Seth McLaughlin, JC Latham, Tyler Booker, and Darrian Dalcourt as players with marquee experience up front. The Tide also has talented players such as Terrence Ferguson, Jaeden Roberts, Elijah Pritchett, and Kadyn Proctor who are pushing for opportunities. Proctor, a five-star freshman, eyes a chance to start at left tackle for the team.
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Latham, a junior, stated to reporters at Southeastern Conference Media Days he wants to win the Outland Trophy, he wants Alabama to capture the Joe Moore Award, he wants the team to go undefeated, and he wants a College Football Playoff National Championship. As a former five-star, Latham made his goals known on national television. Alabama’s offensive unit turned in a grinding camp performance under Eric Wolford. Wolford has the group bought into his philosophy of manhandling defenders.
Deontae Lawson, a linebacker, said he is excited to face a different offensive line this weekend.
“Those boys are coming,” Lawson said Monday about Alabama’s offensive unit. “They work together. They are a unique bunch. They will do what they need to do.”
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Lawson said he is tired of facing the Crimson Tide’s offensive line every day in practice.
They make him better, but he knows how hungry they are to wear down opponents. McLaughlin and company have an opportunity to show the nation how physical they are Saturday against Middle Tennessee State in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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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.
