Nick Saban highlights growth of redshirt left tackle Elijah Pritchett this offseason

With the 2023 season rolling into view, Alabama head coach Nick Saban broke down the recent growth of redshirt freshman Elijah Pritchett. Pritchett joined the Crimson Tide as a four-star prospect out of Columbus, Georgia — the fourth-highest ranked tackle prospect of the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Pritchett was redshirted his freshman year, but saw limited game action on the field and has been working towards a spot on the starting lineup.

Nick Saban on Elijah Pritchett’s second year

“He’s done a good job. Elijah’s getting better,” said Saban on Wednesday. “I think he’s one of those guys that’s a young that needs to be able to sustain his intensity. Not get penalties, do the little things right. But he has done a really, really good job this spring. He’s played well, he’s made a lot of progress and improvement. And he’s really competing hard for a position as a starter.”

Last season, Pritchett saw game action at the college level for the first time against Austin Peay near the end of the season. Shortly afterwards, he came in the game against a much more premier opponent in the Kansas State Wildcats — seeing action at left tackle and recording a knockdown block in the Sugar Bowl.

Saban talks adding Ken Wisenhunt and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Saban also spoke about a few of his numerous additions to his staff this offseason, with two of those being Ken Wisenhunt and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. As spring practice gets ready to wrap up, he sees the value they have added to the team already.

Wisenhunt joins the Crimson Tide as a special assistant to the head coach with nearly 30 years of coaching experience under his belt, including the past two as an offensive analyst for Penn State. He also served as a head coach in the NFL for both the Cardinals and Titans, something Saban believes will be a big bonus in 2023.

Clinton-Dix, a former Crimson Tide, safety, joins Nick Saban’s staff after seven seasons in the NFL. He was a two-time national champion at Alabama under Saban and also earned a Pro Bowl appearance in 2016.

Saban explained that Clinton-Dix will work in a player development role with the Crimson Tide this season. He believes his experience in success both in college and the pros is something he can pass on to the players.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this article.