Eric Wolford has a big task in front of him, but he is ready for the challenge.
Alabama football transitioned to him from Doug Marrone after a subpar performance by its offensive line in 2021.
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Wolford, 50, played guard in college at Kansas State and spent one season in the National Football League. He started his coaching career in 1995 and has served as a college coach for all but two years. Wolford is experiened in the Southeastern Conference, coaching lineman at South Carolina (2009, 2017-20) and Kentucky (2021). His offensive units for the Gamecocks assisted four 500+ yard rushers, including a 1,000+ yard running back (Kevin Harris: 1,138, 15 touchdowns) in 2020.
Wolford produced a Joe Moore Award finalist with Kentucky in 2021 and looks to restore Alabama to the status. The Crimson Tide has bought into Wolford’s toughness and players like the change. Javion Cohen, a junior, said Wolford ‘offers a lot’ and ‘teaches a lot.’ Alabama’s first-year offensive line coach is trying to get the best starting five on the field for this season.
“Coach Wolf, that’s my guy,” Cohen said. “I committed to him in high school when he was at South Carolina. So, it has been great. He pushes us a lot in practice. It is a new experience, but it’s one worth trying.”
Wolford has been moving guys around to find the best fit in spring practice. Alabama has its first scrimmage on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Wolford is prepared to have this offensive unit respected across the landscape in the fall.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
