Alabama’s offensive line is shaping up to be one of the most important storylines of fall camp, and the left guard spot is already turning into a real battle.
The Crimson Tide have some answers up front, but not enough to make the picture clean just yet. Spots at left tackle, center and right guard are set, with rising sophomore Michael Carroll moving from right tackle into his more natural role at right guard. Alabama also added transfer help with starting experience, including projected starters Racin Delgatty at center and Jayvin James at right tackle.
That still leaves work to do, and how fast Alabama settles on the right five will go a long way toward determining how quickly the offense finds its rhythm.
For now, the fight at left guard has become the one to watch. Junior William Sanders had long looked like the favorite there, but his spring and summer absence opened the door for sophomore Mal Waldrep Jr. to make a push. The job is still up for grabs, but Waldrep has put himself in a strong position to take it.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said Waldrep has impressed by handling the opportunity better than some might have expected.
"I think maybe he might be potentially ahead of schedule for what maybe some people thought, but we always knew he was tough and smart and dependable, and that’s really what has shown up: a physical football player," Grubb said after practice on Monday.
Waldrep’s rise makes sense given the chance he’s had. Sanders missed both spring and summer, which left him playing catch-up while Waldrep kept building momentum. That gap matters, and right now the sophomore looks like the player with the inside track.
Grubb also pointed to something beyond the physical side of the position: communication. Waldrep has stood out as a player who helps get the calls relayed properly across the line, which matters plenty for a group still trying to come together.
"Mal Waldrep has been a guy who is a good echo player. You’re hearing the calls come back from Mal," Grubb said. ..."
I think when the voice comes from the inside-out to those guys, the lines of communication are a lot cleaner. The gel will happen a lot quicker when you get that voice inside-out."
The competition isn’t finished, and Sanders still has time to close the gap. Thursday’s first fall camp scrimmage should give him, and others trying to climb the depth chart, a chance to make a move.
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