Roster countdown: 54 McVay; 52 Booker; 50 Smith
Counting down the Alabama roster three players at a time. Next up for the 2023 series: offensive linemen Miles McVay and Tyler Booker and defensive lineman Tim Smith.
54 OL Miles McVay
2022: A multi-year starter at right tackle for East St. Louis (Ill.) High School, McVay ranked as the nation’s No. 12 interior offensive line prospect for the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Enrolled at Alabama in January and took part in spring drills.
Of note: Early enrollment afforded McVay the opportunity to get a head start on needed time in the strength and conditioning program. While there is still some ground to cover in that area, the massive newcomer put forth an encouraging performance in April’s A-Day game. McVay opened the scrimmage at right tackle for the Crimson (second-team) offense. Working alongside classmate Olaus Alinen, McVay showed well both in the run game and pass protection before giving way to another true freshman, Wilkin Formby, in the second half. With continued changes to his body, McVay will be able to sustain the level of play we saw from him in his first spring game at Alabama.
What BOL wrote about McVay upon his signing in December: “In a five-man offensive line class that doesn’t lack size, McVay might be the most physically imposing of the quintet. Right tackle in high school who showed functional mobility, getting out in front of counters and outside zone runs. Work in the strength and conditioning program will be tethered to his ETA where impacting the two-deep is concerned.”
52 OL Tyler Booker
2022: As the third member of a platoon system at both guard spots, Booker saw action in 12 games on his way to picking up Freshman All-SEC honors. Racked up 30 knockdown blocks while allowing just one sack.
Of note: With Javion Cohen moving on to Miami and Emil Ekiyor out of eligibility, Booker stepped into the starting role at right guard in the spring. In the A-Day game, the sophomore performed as expected in the run game, helping the White (first-team) offense average 7.2 yards per carry before sacks were taken into account. Pass protection issues on the right side led to an early sack of quarterback Jalen Milroe and a pressure in the second quarter that preceded the first of two interceptions from Milroe. At the close of spring drills, Booker was a recipient of the Lee Roy Jordan Headhunter Award.
50 DL Tim Smith
2022: As a junior, Smith saw action in all 13 games, making seven starts. Recorded 20 tackles, including two for loss, and a sack.
Of note: As expected, Smith spent 2023 spring drills with the first-team defense, working opposite Justin Eboigbe at left end. Smith picked up the Dwight Stephenson Award, which goes to the most valuable lineman of the A-Day game, after recording four assisted tackles and a pass breakup in the scrimmage. Also honored with the Billy Neighbors Defensive Lineman Award. Heads into his fourth season in the program looking to provide a boost in tackle for loss production (8.5 in 37 career games to date). Will be a primary option in base and nickel fronts with potential to see time in dime rabbits as well.
Previous:
57 Pritchett; 56 McLaughlin; 55 Montgomery
65 Latham; 59 Barnes; 58 Brockermeyer
73 Alinen; 71 Dalcourt; 69 Ferguson
77 Roberts; 75 Formby; 74 Proctor
82 Hale; 81 Dippre; 80 Prentice
87 Lewis; 86 Burnip; 84 Niblack
90 Renaud; 89 Lockwood; 88 Kitsleman
93 Latham; 92 Eboigbe; 91 Oatis
96 Keenan; 95 Goodwine; 94 Hill
99 Hastings; 98 Burroughs; 97 Perry
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