Alabama football had several offensive linemen become first-round NFL Draft picks under Nick Saban, but Andre Smith started everything in 2009.
He assisted Coach Saban in reaching the Southeastern Conference Championship Game during his second year as the Crimson Tide head coach. Smith, a former five-star from Birmingham, Ala., was a Mike Shula recruit in 2006.
RELATED: Former Alabama OL Andre Smith lands coaching job at 5A in-state high school
He was the first player in the 2000s era to start at left tackle as a true freshman for the Tide.
Smith cleared the way for Glen Coffee to have 1,383 rushing yards in 2008, pacing Alabama to an SEC West title. The program came up short in the SEC Championship Game to Florida, but Smith laid a foundation for a championship run. He would be the No. 6 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Smith enjoyed 10+ years in the league with the Bengals (three times), Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, and Baltimore Ravens. He was a two-time first-team All-SEC (2007, 2008) selection, Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner (2007), Outland Trophy winner (2008), and Unanimous All-American (2008).
Smith is coaching at Moody High School, but he will represent Alabama as a member of the 2023 SEC Football Legends Class.
Andre Smith will represent Alabama as a member of the 2023 @SEC Football Legends Class!#RollTide pic.twitter.com/yHMINoQKYU
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 12, 2023
The SEC front office announced the news on Thursday.
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*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.
