DeBoer Talks OL Rotation Ahead of FSU

Last season, the Crimson Tide rotated along the offensive line as Alabama had competitions at both right guard and right tackle. Jaeden Roberts and Elijah Pritchett eventually won those battles, respectively, and solidified themselves as season-long starters for the Crimson Tide.

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With Jaeden Roberts banged up and Elijah Pritchett now a Nebraska Cornhusker, Alabama is looking to solidify both of those positions and replace NFL-bound left guard Tyler Booker. Rotations along the offensive line can help younger players get necessary reps, but can hurt the continuity along the offensive line. That question was posed to head coach Kalen DeBoer on Monday, when he said not to expect the Crimson Tide to rotate the front five on the offensive line as often, at least early in the season.

"Nothing, probably to the extent that we had a year ago. We were very intentional," DeBoer said. "Geno, and then right tackle, rotating there too. Nothing to that level right now. Doesn’t mean we don’t feel comfortable putting some guys out there, but, you know, especially with this group, I’d like them to get out there and generate some continuity, some momentum.

"Last year, I remember, the first play of the game, Parker’s helmet was thrown off. Proctor got hurt in pregame. So by the second play in the game, we had two new faces out there. Hopefully, we got a little better luck this year when it comes to that. But yeah, that’s kind of the unit and the group we’d like to have out there most of the snaps. Doesn’t mean a guy might, here and there, float out there for one series. But it’s not something as intentional as what we were a year ago.”

If Jaeden Roberts does miss the opening game against Florida State, Alabama's projected offensive line depth chart is:

LT: Kadyn Proctor
LG: Kam Dewberry
C: Parker Brailsford
RG: Geno VanDeMark
RT: Wilkin Formby

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.