How this assistant coach is changing Alabama’s offense in spring practice

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The University of Alabama football program experienced something in the last two years that it no longer wants to affiliate with: being pushed around up front.

Kalen DeBoer made it a point to bring coaches that will restore a sense of physicality.

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Adrian Klemm is starting his work with the offensive line, but another position is regaining toughness under its leader.

Alabama will have tight ends that do more than run routes and catch passes in the fall.

Richard Owens, the Crimson Tide’s new tight ends coach, will have dudes punching opposition in the mouth up front.

The 45-year-old knows a lot about adversity as he was a former undrafted free agent from Louisville to the National Football League in 2004. Owens, a former tight end, played five years in the NFL – yet he has spent more of his time coaching offensive linemen and tight ends.

He has experience in the Southeastern Conference at Arkansas (2010-11), but Owens has also been at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), South Alabama, Georgia Southern, and Louisville. He’s brought that tough-minded physicality to Alabama’s tight end room and a former four-star prospect loves the mindset.

Kaleb Edwards, a sophomore from California, logged playing time as a freshman and produced last season.

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The 6-foot-6, 258-pounder caught 11 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown – earning Freshman All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches. He said the critiques that come from Owens make him better every day. Edwards had Bryan Ellis, former UAB quarterback, as his position coach in 2025. Ellis taught him things from a QB mindset, but Owens is different.

“I am learning running and run blocking from Coach Owens,” Edwards said Tuesday in his media availability after spring practice. “I think that is probably the difference.”

Ellis’ quarterback perspective was good for Edwards, but Owens brings the extension the second-year player needs to be complete on the field. Edwards feels that Owens is helping him with the “technique, calls, and footwork” as part of the offensive line. Alabama will need its tight ends to help in the run game as well as pass protection.

Owens is making sure he has his guys bringing the toughness.

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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.