Alabama offensive lineman Mal Waldrep Jr. has had to step up on numerous occasions this season.
Waldrep was competing with William Sanders for Alabama’s starting left guard role throughout fall camp. Sanders ultimately won the starting role, but Waldrep has been a critical depth piece considering the injuries on Alabama’s offensive line over the course of the regular season.
Waldrep’s first start of the year was against Kentucky in Week 2, as the sophomore filled in at right guard for an injured Michael Carroll. Waldrep has since taken over as the Tide’s starting center following Racin Delgatty’s injury, and the big man took a moment to share some of the advice Delgatty has given him on playing the position over the last few weeks.
“He’s given me some tips and reminders, especially during the week at the beginning,” Waldrep said. “He’s really helped me with my technique and my footwork, as far as that goes. We kind of help each other with the scheme and everything, but as far as technique goes, he’s been helping me a lot with that and learning how to gain ground on blocks and everything.”
Waldrep has done a solid job as the Tide’s starting center considering everything that has unfolded over the last few weeks. Delgatty could return to the lineup on the road at LSU next weekend, but Waldrep will likely emerge as the Tide’s starting center once again if Delgatty remains sidelined.
