The University of Alabama football program is back in action, and head coach Kalen DeBoer is all about fostering competition to ensure the best talent rises to the top. In the opening week of spring practice, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb made a decisive move by naming redshirt freshman Jackson Lloyd as the starting left tackle.
Lloyd, a former five-star recruit from Carmel, California, made his mark last season as a backup, playing in five games. He logged 41 snaps at left tackle, with a standout performance against Eastern Illinois at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 317 pounds, Lloyd is an imposing figure on the line. However, DeBoer had a clear message for him after Friday’s scrimmage: stay focused.
“You better not get comfortable,” DeBoer cautioned. “You better keep the pedal down because the next guys are coming.”
While DeBoer acknowledged Lloyd's impressive progress, he emphasized the importance of staying vigilant. With talented players like Jayvin James and Michael Carroll also competing for tackle spots, Alabama aims to maintain a strong rotation with at least four players in the mix.
Grubb has declared Lloyd as ‘the guy’ for now, but the true test will come in the fall. The competition is fierce, and Lloyd will need to continue proving himself to secure his spot.
The Tide's approach to fostering competition highlights their commitment to excellence and depth, ensuring that every position is filled by the best talent available. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Lloyd and his teammates rise to the challenge.