The returning experience for Alabama football shrinks the number of position battles for fall camp.
Kalen DeBoer and his coaching staff know what it has at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and several positions on defense. The Crimson Tide has a good tight end room, but DeBoer and Nick Sheridan need to get those players involved more.
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Cornerback is a position of need, especially after Alabama lost Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry and Terrion Arnold to the National Football League, but it did get some transfers out the portal. Right tackle may be the most significant position battle for the Tide heading into Wednesday’s start to fall camp. Alabama has its center, right guard, left guard, and left tackle (return of Kadyn Proctor) in tact. Right tackle comes down to two talented players, including one who is a Tuscaloosa (Ala.) native.
Elijah Pritchett and Wilkin Formby are pushing to start on an offensive line that won’t allow 44 sacks in the fall.
Pritchett, a redshirt sophomore from Columbus, Ga., has played in 15 career games. He played in all 13 games in 2023, allowing three sacks. The 6-foot-6, 312-pounder has problems neutralizing speed rushers, but he improved in spring practice.
Pritchett can become an All-SEC caliber player, yet he needs to clean up his technique.
Formby, a redshirt freshman, came to the Tide in its 2023 class from Northridge High School. He played in three games, but Formby looked great in spring practice. The 6-foot-7, 320-pounder did more than hold his own against Alabama’s edge rushers.
According to close sources, Touchdown Alabama Magazine learned the Tide was at its best in pass protection with Formby.
Chris Kapilovic, Alabama’s offensive line coach, wants to have the best five on the field at all times.
Pritchett and Formby will push each other as the Tide would like to have a Joe Moore Award group. We will see what happens, but right tackle is a significant competition up front for Alabama.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
