The University of Alabama football signed five offensive linemen in its 2021 class.
Four players remain from the class, including one that received a marquee opportunity last week.
Jaeden Roberts, a redshirt sophomore, came to the Crimson Tide as a four-star from Houston, Texas. The 6-foot-5, 318-pounder is a powerful lineman and one of the best guard prospects in the recruiting cycle. He redshirted his freshman season in 2021, but Roberts observed the team capture a Southeastern Conference Championship, defeat Cincinnati in a College Football Playoff Semifinal matchup, and clinch a berth in the CFP National Championship Game. He also watched the Tide crown its first-ever Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback with Bryce Young. Roberts played three games last season and worked in three games for this campaign, until the Texas A&M matchup. He got a chance to see much action versus the Aggies with Darrian Dalcourt (shoulder) limited. Roberts stepped up to help sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe produce his best outing as a passer.
Roberts’ protection at left guard helped Milroe to 321 passing yards and three touchdowns.
He was one of the players Nick Saban highlighted in Monday’s press conference.
“I love to see guys who have worked hard like him for two whole years and in his third year … gets an opportunity, especially in his home state, to go out there and play,” Saban said about Roberts. “He has a good physical presence. He played hard in the game. It is tough when you have a guy that’s practiced all week, but he’s not able to play in the game. The next guy has to go in, but he did not have the same opportunities to prepare … But I thought Jaeden did a good job of managing and handling it. He played with a lot of grit, determination, and toughness, and executed fairly well.”
Alabama may have Dalcourt back for homecoming against Arkansas, but Roberts becomes a viable option.
Coach Saban said in the preseason the Tide has seven to eight guys that are ready on the offensive line.
Roberts gives Alabama the physical presence it needs in the run game.
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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.
