Alabama has several options for 2 offensive guard spots in spring practice

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Kalen DeBoer and his coaching staff at the University of Alabama prepared the right way through freshmen recruiting and transfer portal acquisitions to build quality depth at several important positions on the team.

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The offensive guard spot is one of the areas – especially after losing Jaeden Roberts, Kam Dewberry, and Geno VanDeMark – since Ryan Grubb named both starting tackles for the Crimson Tide in spring practice.

William Sanders, a redshirt sophomore, is out this spring because of an injury. Adrian Klemm, Alabama’s new offensive line coach, has the outstanding responsibility of having the best five dudes to play together and physically dominate opposition.

Ethan Fields and Casey Poe are possible options, but the Tide has other options it can pick and choose from for both guard spots as it continues navigating spring ball.

Mal Waldrep Jr.

He can work multiple positions on the offensive line, but Mal Waldrep is at right guard early  in spring practice. 

The redshirt freshman came to the Tide as a productive prospect from Central-Phenix City (Ala.) High School in the 2025 recruiting class. Waldrep played in two games as a freshman, yet mostly worked on the scout team.

The 6-foot-5, 322-pounder brings quick feet and strong hands to pin defensive linemen inside the phone booth.

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He is a masher in the run game and can pass protect.

Nick Brooks

Nick Brooks is working left guard in spring practice with Will Sanders out.

The sophomore transfer from the University of Texas is a very impressive specimen at 6-foot-7 and 339 pounds.

His body frame resembles a tackle; nevertheless, his wingspan could really help Alabama as a guard. Brooks’ extension would keep a clean pocket for Austin Mack or Keelon Russell to step up and complete passes. The Iowa native played five games at Texas, including three Southeastern Conference matchups versus Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Mississippi State.

Ty Haywood

Ty Haywood was initially projected to sign with the University of Alabama in its 2025 freshmen class as a five-star offensive tackle from Ryan High School in Denton, Texas.

He chose to sign with the Michigan Wolverines, but now he is in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Haywood has flexibility after spending three games in the Big Ten for a season, but Ryan Grubb and Adrian Klemm see him as a guard to start. The 6-foot-5, 312-pounder just needs to be developed into a monster that can set the tone for Alabama’s run game and passing attack.

Michael Carroll

Positional versatility is the lone reason Michael Carroll is on this list.

He literally can play anywhere on the offensive unit and would not be opposed to helping the team in any way he can. The former IMG Academy standout is the most experienced player in this unit for the Tide, despite only being a sophomore. 

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Carroll played 14 games in 2025 at guard and tackle, including six starts.

He earned Freshman All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of American and Freshman All-SEC Team honors from the league’s coaches. Carroll did not allow a sack in three games at right tackle, while his six starts came versus Tennessee, Oklahoma (regular season), Auburn, Georgia (SEC Championship Game), Oklahoma (College Football Playoff), and Indiana (Rose Bowl). If he needs to kick inside to right guard, it opens a chance for Carroll to help someone else settle in alongside him at tackle.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.