Alabama's Offensive Line Seeks Intensity, Discipline after Lackluster 2022 Season
While a quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa, Ala., might be the primary focus of Alabama football fans as the team continues its spring practices, there is another offensive unit that possesses more question marks than normal at this time of year: the offensive line.
Ever since winning the Joe Moore Award back in 2020 for its efforts as the most outstanding offensive line in the country, the Crimson Tide's offensive line has consistently been seen as one of the team's weak points. While concern from fans was at a minimum in 2021, the 2022 season saw those worries grow larger, and with the departure of five offensive linemen courtesy of the NCAA transfer portal following the team's win in the Sugar Bowl, the lack of experience and depth has only continued to become more glaring.
Maybe that's why Nick Saban said during his opening press conference of spring practice season that depth in the trenches was his number one priority.
"I think the number one thing is we got to create some depth," Saban said back on March 20. "You know at that position, we probably lost more players than we gained even though the players that we gained we're excited about how they can contribute and what their future might be. So probably need to add a little depth at that position."
Of the 15 offensive linemen listed on Alabama's roster, only four have started in games at the college level. Of those four, three of them were regular starters for the Crimson Tide last season in Tyler Booker, J.C. Latham and Seth McLaughlin. Behind that core, however, depth is a key issue.
Depth isn't the only concern, though. Last season, Alabama's offensive seemingly lacked intensity in the trenches. The Crimson Tide's offensive front wasn't necessarily dominated week-in and week-out, but more often than not it seemed that quarterback Bryce Young and running back Jahmyr Gibbs were forced to make plays on their own rather than have wide-open holes created in front of them.
While Saban concerns himself with the line's depth, the players have taken it upon themselves to shift their intensity levels — no doubt as a result from the team's second-year offensive line coach, Eric Wolford.
"I think the main message from Coach Wolford is getting back to that intensity, that nastiness that we always had as an offensive line," Alabama offensive lineman Darrian Dalcourt said on Wednesday afternoon. "I think in his second year, he's gotten more comfortable and guys have gotten more comfortable with him. It's about learning from him, him learning from us, and just trying to trust his word and do the best we can to bring back that nastiness the best we can."
While consistently an imposing physical presence on the line for Alabama, even junior Latham noted that smash-mouth football is what he'd like to see the unit improve on from last season.
"I want us to be ruthless," Latham said. "I want guys to every time we line up and get ready to hike the ball, I want them to be scared of us. I want them to understand that we’re going to hit them in the mouth every single play, ready to go four quarters."
Last season, Alabama finished seventh in the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards — a far cry from the standard that Crimson Tide fans are used to seeing year after year. The team also surrendered 22 sacks, which was tied for the 45-fewest in Division I football.
Last year's struggles weren't just limited to the scope of what could be blamed on lack of intensity, though. Lack of discipline also abounded on the team — not just on the offensive line, but the team in general. False starts and holding calls were frequent contributors to the Crimson Tide's 8.3 penalties per game average — enough to place Alabama in a tie for second-most penalized team in college football last year.
That's something that needs to be addressed, and Wolford and his players are well aware of it.
"I know the main message for us as an offense has been to play disciplined football, cut down on penalties, become a disciplined team," Dalcourt said. "Don't shoot ourselves in the foot, stuff like that. I know specifically for the offensive line, it's just listen to what the coaching is and listen to Coach Wolf and take his word for it."
With the intensity being an active area of development for the team, the primary focus circles back to depth. While the team does lack college-level experience, it has the potential to overcome that shortcoming with young, fresh talent.
As part of Alabama's No. 1 recruiting class, Wolford was able to bring in five top-tier linemen — including an immediate potential for impact in five-star tackle Kadyn Proctor.
Proctor isn't alone, though. Right next to him is fellow freshman Miles McVay, who could also make an impact early despite his young age. Wilkin Formby, Olauss Alinen and Roq Montgomery are also some names to look out for. Combe them with Booker, who was named to the All-SEC Freshman team last season, and there's plenty of young talent to make depth a non-issue as they acquire playing time over the course of the season.
“I’ve seen a lot of maturity in them," Latham said of the young players. "They know what they’ve got to do to perform, they know what they’ve got to do to play. I see them taking it in stride and trying to perform and do their best, so I see a lot of growth in them every day."
Depth, lack of intensity and a shortage of discipline were all three crucial factors in the Crimson Tide's lackluster season in the trenches in 2022. However, with the new additions at the line and the attention to detail by Wolford, Alabama's 2023 offensive line is already well on the path to improving on last year.
And while Saban might still be concerned by the depth, he is pleased with the players that he has at his disposal.
"I like the players that we have on the offensive line," Saban said. "I think we have some bigger, more physical players. I think they obviously don't have as much experience. But I like the attitude. I like their temperament. I like their toughness."
See Also:
Ja'Corey Brooks on Alabama QB Battle: "We Never Know Whose Name Gonna Be Called"
