Emil Ekiyor Jr. on development, communication along Alabama's OL

Alabama starting right guard Emil Ekiyor Jr. didn’t hold back on communication issues and execution the offensive line struggled with in the Crimson Tide’s 31-29 win over Florida.

“It was pretty loud,” Ekiyor told media on Monday, regarding the atmosphere at Florida. “Florida is a tough place to play. We had to change a couple things as far as snap count and our cadence sometimes so we just got to do a better job of communicating and make sure we’re all on the same page so we won’t have those miscues before the snap.”

Alabama struggled executing inside the ten-yard line against Florida, having to settle for a field goal with under ten minutes left in the fourth quarter, when they had a chance to make it a two-score game, instead having to settle for a field goal, opening the door for Florida to tie the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion.

“I just think we have to do a better job executing,” Ekiyor said. “It’s part of our identity to punch it in on the goal line so just not being able to do that is really a shout out to our offensive line and we have to do better we can’t do that. We’re on the one-yard line we have to score, it’s unacceptable. Going forward we’re going to make it a point to be better in those situations.”

Alabama’s offensive line has given up five sacks in three games, and though the Crimson Tide have lived up to their No. 1 ranking, with wins over No. 24 Miami and No. 11 Florida, the offensive line will continue to get tested as Alabama ventures deeper into conference play.

Alabama’s offensive line dealt with a lot of shuffling over the offseason, returning just two starters, Emil Ekiyor Jr. at right guard and projected 2022 NFL Draft first-round draft pick Evan Neal at left tackle. Darrian Dalcourt has taken over the starting job at center, Javion Cohen starts at left guard and Chris Owens, who previously earned starts at center, is the starting right tackle.

“I think we’ve grown a lot,” Ekiyor said of the new-look unit. “Been through a couple different experiences with Miami, a natural setting, playing at home vs Mercer and playing a game like that (Florida). Those three experiences can go a long way in shaping us throughout the season. We mixed and matched a lot throughout the offseason, so getting these five group of guys to gel and keep working together. I think we’re in a work in progress and doing a really good job of coming together as an offensive line.”

Alabama looks towards Southern Miss on Saturday, but will face No. 13 Ole Miss, No. 7 Texas A&M and Mississippi State in three straight weeks after the non-conference game against the 1-2 Golden Eagles.