Kalen DeBoer gives update on progress former 5-Star OL is making

Photo by Kent Gidley - Alabama Athletics

Alabama football’s head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke about freshman offensive lineman Michael Carroll and the progress he has seen from him on Wednesday at the Regions Tradition Golf Tournament.

Carroll signed with Alabama as a part of the 2025 signing class. The Pennsylvania native was regarded as a five-star prospect out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. DeBoer shared the true freshman is taking steps in the right direction.

“Yeah, he’s a versatile guy too,” DeBoer said. “Could play guard, had to play a little bit of tackle here this spring. Michael’s got the right mindset and attitude. I think there’s a learning curve for any player but especially offensive line and it’s physical, mental and Michael made the steps that you’d hope a player would make throughout the spring,” DeBoer said.

Alabama’s coaching staff views Carroll as a player that can multiple positions. As DeBoer stated, Carroll saw time at guard and tackle over the course of the spring. At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, Carroll has the size and potential to excel at both positions.

Alabama has had a lot of success with offensive linemen who came from IMG Academy in the past. JC Latham, Tyler Booker, and Evan Neal each signed with Alabama out of IMG Academy and all of them were drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.

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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.