Darrian Dalcourt shares message from Nick Saban to offensive line

Ever since Nick Saban took over the Alabama job, his No. 1 priority on the offensive side of the ball has been recruiting and maintaining an elite O-line. ‘Bama annually produces NFL draft picks (often first rounders) along the offensive front and seems to be loaded to the gills with four- and five-star talent year in and year out, no matter who the team lost from the season before.

Of course, one of the players that Alabama did not lose along the line is super-senior Darrian Dalcourt. The veteran starting center missed a lot of last season due to injury, but in the last two years, when he’s played, he’s been the anchor in the middle. Heading into next season, he’s the old dog tasked with teaching the young pups how to hang in there against SEC competition.

When he spoke after spring practice this week, Dalcourt says the offensive line is focused on the same themes as always.

“I know the main message for us at the offense line is, you know, play disciplined football, cut down on penalties, you know, become a discipline team, don’t shoot ourselves in the foot — stuff like that,” said Dalcourt. “But I know specifically for offensive line just, you know, listen to what the coaching is and I’ll listen to Coach Wolf, take his word for it.”

He’s referring to offensive line coach Eric Wolford, who is entering his second season on the job after leaving the Kentucky staff last offseason. As for Dalcourt, himself, he said a chance to come back, finish up school and finally play a full and healthy season.

“I think I had a lot left on the table, both academically and football-wise too,” Dalcourt answered when asked what motivated him to stick around for one extra season. “I’m doing my Master’s this semester, so that was a big part of it. And I feel like, on the field, I missed a lot of time with injuries. So I think my main reason for that was I wanted to come back have a healthy year and then, you know, try to become the best player I could be.”

Darrian Dalcourt is a necessary and experienced piece for the Alabama line this coming fall.