Finland native giving Alabama trusted offensive line depth at multiple positions

Alabama offensive lineman Olaus Alinen (73) Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III (96)

Alabama football’s offensive lineman Olaus Alinen is shaping up to be an important utility player along Alabama’s offensive front this season. 

The Finland native was a backup guard last season, but Alinen slid out to left tackle for most of the spring, splitting time there and at guard.

The Crimson Tide’s head coach Kalen DeBoer appeared on “Next Round Live” and spoke highly of Alinen’s progress this spring.

“One guy that kind of did a nice job this spring and was thrust into action to play some tackle was Olaus,” DeBoer said. “He did a really nice job. He’s placed a lot of emphasis on the body piece and just putting a lot of work in whether it’s in the weight room or just with nutrition. I think that’s really transformed and helped him to be able to make that adjustment. Again, like I said, forced him into action, he’s given us some depth that I think we feel confident in there. He’s a versatile guy that can play inside or outside.”

In 2024, Alinen played in all 13 games on special teams while rotating along the offensive line in five games. He played 37 snaps against Mercer. 

Shifting out to tackle will likely be a smooth transition for Alinen as he was a four-star offensive tackle coming out of high school.

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