Nick Saban Calls Kendall Randolph ‘Great Example of What College Football Should Be’
The Alabama Crimson Tide opened spring practice on Friday to kick off the 2022 season. One of the primary question marks the Crimson Tide must address this offseason is a revamping of the offensive line.
A potential option for one of the offensive line vacancies this fall will be super senior Kendall Randolph.
I really love it when guys like Kendall Randolph show great resiliency, perseverance to continue to want to try to develop as players, make a commitment to the team to do whatever you need to do to help the team be successful. This is one of the guys that I’m most proud of in terms of where he came from from when he was a young player to where he is now. To graduate, to become a leader, to set a really good example. To have sort of great goals and aspirations for what he wants to accomplish in the future and what his focus is and what his commitment is to it.
I think this is a great example of what college football should be. He’s created a lot of value for himself here by what he’s developed into, and we’re really, really proud of him. And I’m really happy to have him back. I think the first thing we’ve got to do Is let him compete for a starting job on the offensive line, which is going to be our first priority for him in the spring.
-Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban
Randolph, out of Bob Jones High School in Madison, Alabama signed as a 4-star offensive tackle prospect in the 2017 recruiting class. He is the younger brother of former Alabama basketball star Levi Randolph.
He redshirted in 2017 and didn't see the field in 2018 but over the past three seasons he has appeared in 41 games as a hybrid tackle and tight end. Randolph has alternated between No. 85 and No. 60 depending on what the coaching staff has asked of him throughout time.
Randolph has largely been used in "Black" personnel and other bigger sets as a tight end with superior in-line blocking ability. Will he see a similar opportunity for playing time as 2021's super senior Chris Owens?
Many felt Owens was outmatched physically speaking in 2021 but kept playing for the Tide due to his experience and the trust he had earned from Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
"I think the first thing we’ve got to do Is let him (Randolph) compete for a starting job on the offensive line, which is going to be our first priority for him in the spring," said Saban.
He likely fits best as a right tackle, however placing JC Latham, Javion Cohen and the remaining offensive linemen in their best positions will likely determine how the final five are determined.
Spring practice resumes on Monday, March 21 after the student-athletes return from Spring Break. A-Day, on April 16, will be the first opportunity for the public to see the 2022 Alabama Crimson Tide and while it won't mean positions are set in stone, it will be a good barometer for where the competition stands.
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