Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke with the media on Thursday. One of the areas that DeBoer saw improvement at was along the offensive line. He spoke about what stood out to him about the offensive line unit in the first scrimmage.
“I thought today was actually probably one of their better days. It was the best day and the film will show that when I look more closely, but they were more consistent. Run game, pass game, we created some seams at times. I think they were the most consistent. They were solid in protection and gave the quarterbacks some time. I think the quarterbacks got a little more comfortable back there and the run game I thought we were more physical then we’ve been.”
Quarterback comfortability will be crucial during the 2025 season. DeBoer’s high praise regarding the offensive line is certainly intriguing. Given the fact that Alabama lost its leader up front in right guard Tyler Booker, there was some skepticism about who would replace him. Not to mention, left tackle Kadyn Proctor has been sidelined due to injury.
Parker Brailsford will start at center. Outside of that, there has been a lot of mixing and matching. For DeBoer to be complimentary about the offensive line after the first scrimmage, it speaks volumes to the guys that Alabama has recruited and developed.
Alabama’s offensive line room will need to continue to grow and gel this offseason. Run blocking and pass blocking will need to continue to be a point of emphasis for the Crimson Tide.
The inconsistencies up front last season should help the coaching staff and players realize the importance of getting better every single day. The SEC is a different animal, and the conference continues to get tougher and tougher each year.
Offensive line play could be the determining factor in whether Alabama is able to reach its full potential or not. The high praise could be premature. Nevertheless, it has to be welcoming for the fans to hear that the group is coming together and performing at a high level during spring practices.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
