How good has the competition been between Alabama’s offensive and defensive lines?
Both have done more than hold their own in preseason camp.
RELATED: Alabama places 4 names — including two transfers — on Sporting News’ preseason All-America team
The Crimson Tide has a fierce rotation on its defensive front, while its offensive unit may have the best interior in the nation.
LT Overton, a transfer from Texas A&M, is positioning himself to be a starter at “Bandit” (field-side defensive end) in Kane Wommack’s defense. The 6-foot-5, 284-pounder was referred to as a 280-pounder ‘ass kicker,’ per Wommack in fall camp.
He is excelling up front, but Overton credits his success to the competition he gets from a transfer offensive lineman Alabama brought in from a former Pac-12 program. Parker Brailsford spent last year at the University of Washington.
He played in 15 games during his freshman campaign, including 13 starts at center. The 6-foot-2, 290-pounder propelled the Huskies to a Pac-12 Championship, a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, and the Joe Moore Award. Brailsford was one of the best centers in the nation, and he’s brought that swagger to Tuscaloosa, Ala.
In competing against Brailsford, Overton said he has ‘never seen hands’ like the transfer.
Alabama transfer LT Overton speaks on Parker Brailsford’s excellence at center:
“You talk about quick hands, it’s crazy, you talk about a quick pop pop. I have never seen hands like that before. It’s great competition.”@TDAlabamaMag @TouchdownETP pic.twitter.com/gS1qlcdikA
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) August 15, 2024
“Man, you talk about quick hands, it is crazy,” Overton said about Brailsford. “It is a quick pop, pop. It is great competition because you move from big Proc (Kadyn Proctor) to then you have Parker. It is a whole different scheme when it comes to pass blocking.”
If Brailsford’s hands give Overton a tough time in practice, imagine how dominant he will be against opposing defenses this season. Alabama has a center that’s a proficient snapper and excels in protection schemes.
The offense is expected to be much better with Brailsford anchoring the front.
*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 senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
