Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb indicated on Monday that Alabama will start junior offensive lineman William Sanders at left guard.
“Will [Sanders] the last seven, eight days has shown up to be not just the guy but someone who can be a difference maker,” Grubb said.
Based on what Grubb said, it sounds like the 321-pounder will start at left guard on Saturday against East Carolina. Sanders would be starting over sophomore Mal Waldrep Jr., a player that also took reps at left guard in fall camp.
Sanders dealt with an injury a handful of weeks ago, but he is healthy and getting the nod from the staff to start.
In 2025, Sanders played in all of Alabama football’s games in some capacity. Whether it was on special teams or rotating in on the offensive line, Sanders got some valuable experience last season.
Left guard was one of the two positions on the offensive line that had multiple guys battling for the chance to start, and now, the only spot open is right tackle. However, Grubb did say Jayvin James played a lot of the snaps in fall camp, so James could start this Saturday.
