Kalen DeBoer Updates Competition at Left Guard

Alabama has a difficult task of replacing first-round, All-American left guard Tyler Booker, who was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys. The Tide will look at two players to compete for the vacant position at left guard: Geno VanDeMark and Kam Dewberry.

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VanDeMark transferred to Alabama from Michigan State before the 2024 season, where he notched one start at left guard and one start at right guard for Alabama. During his time with the Spartans, VanDeMark started eight games with 18 career appearances with the Spartans. Despite only starting two games for Alabama in 2024, VanDeMark saw action in all 13, rotating in at right guard with starter Jaeden Roberts.

Dewberry transferred to Alabama during the winter transfer portal window this past December. During his time with the Texas A&M Aggies, Dewberry totaled 32 game appearances with eight career starts.

Both players are in their final year of eligibility, so both are competing at their highest level to earn their way into the starting lineup for a chance to prove to NFL scouts that they can play at the next level. On Wednesday, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked about those two competing for the vacant left guard position.

"Geno and Kam, both of them doing a great job all summer. Super competitive," DeBoer said. "Geno in year two now with us. Comfortable in the offense. Kam has just been, he's had a lot of urgency to really put himself physically and mentally in a spot to where he's competing for that position.

"They probably do have different tools that are their strengths. They're both really good well-rounded football players. But both of them can do a few things a little better than the other. It's just a matter of the best five guys and how they fit into that."

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_.