Nick Saban reveals plan for Alabama offensive line in the spring

The Alabama Crimson Tide have some work to do on the offensive front. Alabama head coach Nick Saban knows that he has to replace some talent on the offensive line, and that work has already begun as spring ball gets underway.

Saban recently spoke to reporters, where he revealed Alabama’s plan on the offensive line. The spring is going to be used to try some guys out at different spots, and there are quite a few players that could grow into bigger roles next season.

“Well we’ve had one practice, so I don’t know how I can assess anybody’s progress from last year to this year. I know they’ve worked hard in the offseason,” Saban said of Alabama’s progress on the offensive line. “I think they’re in better condition, I think they’ve improved their bodies. So, I mean Damieon George had a really good offseason. We’re encouraged by the progress that he makes whether he plays guard or tackle.

“We’re going to see if Javion Cohen should be a guard or a tackle. We’ll see if JC Latham should be a guard or a tackle. Kendall Randolph to be a tackle. Tommy Brockermeyer has got a chance to compete at the position. He was kind of in and out a little bit fighting some injury things in the offseason. But we think that he’ll be able to make progress in the spring.”

Saban expects a lot of competition on Alabama’s offensive line

Notably, Alabama loses offensive linemen Evan Neal and Chris Owens, who are both in the 2022 NFL Draft. Neal is projected to be a top five pick, which highlights the talent that the Crimson Tide will lose up front. But if Alabama wants to return to the National Championship game next season, strong offensive line play will be important, and Saban is determined to find the best five guys in the group.

“So there’s a lot of competition at the position,” said Saban. “Quite frankly, we’re moving a lot of guys around to try to see how we can get the best five guys out there to play. So I’m not disappointing in progress that any of them have made to this point.”

Alabama finished last season 13-2 overall and 7-1 in SEC play. The Crimson Tide won the SEC Championship Game, but fell to Georgia in the national title game. Expectations will remain high for the Crimson Tide, so sorting out the offensive line in the spring will be an important piece of business to take care of.