Alabama O-line is still a ‘ways away’ from coming together

Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics

Alabama knew its work was cut out for it when it lost four starters up front from a year ago. Even when the unit was together in 2025 it was a far cry from the standard it had set over the course of the previous 20 years particularly in the run game.

As the program begins spring practice in hopes of putting last season behind it, new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb are working on setting things straight.

But like every position group it’s going to take time and although the unit has some clarity at left tackle, Grubb reports that things are far from fully gelled.

“It’s a ways away, I’ll say that,” Grubb said. I think that’s one of the biggest challenges for coach (Adrian) Klemm or any O-line coach, I think during the spring especially with so many new pieces, you’re trying to find out who the players are, who the guys are and trying to get some semblance of gel to happen.”

There are a few key spots Alabama needs to get right before week one and those are both tackle spots and center. Thankfully the lone returner up front is right tackle Michael Carroll who will be opposite of redshirt freshman Jackson Lloyd.

Replacing Parker Brailsford will be transfer Racin Delgatty who has been contributing well early on through practice.

“But it starts with Jackson and Michael,” Grubb said. “And then really the center position, Racin Delgatty has been doing an awesome job at center. He’s really taken the reins quickly, so I’m excited to see him out there. But Jackson Lloyd’s just one guy on the football field, forget O, D, whatever, he has really stood out as a guy we’re going to be really excited about as our left tackle.”

The group likely won’t be performing at an All-American level when it runs out onto Saban Field on A-Day, but improvement will be a necessity if Alabama is looking to progress from a year ago in the run game.

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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77