With Alabama losing its starting left guard Tyler Booker to the NFL, someone will have to step up in his place. The good news is that Alabama will have several options at the left guard position. The bad news is the level of difficulty it takes to replace a player like Booker will be very challenging.
Booker was a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide at left guard. He made 27 starts and was an integral piece of Alabama’s offensive line in the past two seasons. The Connecticut native will be a difficult player to replace, but Alabama has options at the position heading into the spring.
Today, Touchdown Alabama will break down the ways in which Alabama might try to address the loss of Booker to the NFL.
During the offseason, Alabama brought in Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry. The Texas native made seven starts for the Aggies at the guard position. He comes to Tuscaloosa with valuable experience having started and played in the SEC. Dewberry is sure to be a contender to win the starting job at left guard.
Another player that will be in the conversation to start at left guard is incoming freshman Michael Carroll. The product of IMG Academy has a lot to like at 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds. The Pennsylvania native is a physical presence along the interior of the offensive line. He faced some of the top competition in the country during his time at IMG. In the past, Alabama has had success with offensive linemen that came from IMG. That could definitely be something that plays in Carroll’s favor as he is likely more prepared to play at the college level than your prototypical freshman offensive lineman.
There are several other options that Alabama could entertain at the position. Redshirt senior Geno VanDeMark and redshirt sophomore Roq Montgomery are potential options as well.
VanDeMark transferred to Alabama last offseason from Michigan State. In four seasons, he has played in 31 games with one start at left guard. In 2024, he served as the backup right guard for the Crimson Tide. His position flexibility could allow him to see playing time at both positions in 2025.
Montgomery is a player that has patiently waited his turn. The native of Anniston, Alabama has worked at both guard spots as well as center for the Crimson Tide. He could become a factor in the position battle too.
Needless to say, there are no shortage of options for Alabama heading into the spring. The position battle at left guard will be one that likely lasts throughout the spring and into the fall. It is a position that matters greatly with what the Crimson Tide will try to do on the offensive side of the ball during the 2025 season.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
