Alabama has a competition at right tackle, but how many linemen will it use Saturday versus Western Kentucky?
Kalen DeBoer, the Crimson Tide’s head coach, spoke to the media Wednesday via the SEC Coaches Teleconference for a final availability session before the weekend. Wilkin Formby and Elijah Pritchett continue to battle at right tackle, but DeBoer and offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic love what they have on the interior with Tyler Booker, Parker Brailsford, and Jaeden Roberts.
Roberts got banged up in the second scrimmage, but he’s expected to play.
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DeBoer provided insight into the Tide’s rotation for its season opener.
“When camp started, there was some changes from what we had this spring, in particular Kadyn Proctor, who was not with us this spring and and even more reps with Parker Brailsford, who did start spring ball and now is back with us at center and he’s been here all camp,” DeBoer said. “Right tackle probably is the other position where there’s competition. I think you can easily see us playing six offensive linemen throughout the game, rotating at one position — that being right tackle. But we have a guy or two that I think that will continue to come up but not competing right now necessarily for one of those other starting spots.”
Formby and Pritchett will rotate at tackle, and Geno VanDeMark — a transfer from Michigan State — should get reps at guard.
We could see names such as Roq Montgomery, Miles McVay, Olaus Alinen, and Naquil Betrand get worked in; however, it depends on how the first six linemen in the rotation do. Alabama has an opportunity to create huge plays with its running backs and protect Jalen Milroe. The physicality has to be on point at Bryant-Denny Stadium against the Hilltoppers to send a message.
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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.
