Scrimmages are difficult for coaches to judge. A fantastic day for the offense means the defense was lagging behind, or vice versa. Kalen DeBoer was in that position for Alabama football on Thursday.
It went well, especially given the history of Bryant-Denny Stadium and the obstacles of learning a new offense and defense. The quarterbacks made nice decisions. The energy was present. However, DeBoer paused when questioned about one aspect: how did the pass protection go?
“I think that was one area, and I think it’s the matchup, right? I think we have a strength there on our defense with probably the one area where we could’ve been a little bit better offensively. I think defensively I looked at it and we had a strong pass rush. Offensively, I think we had a great run game. Those areas, both sides of the ball did a really good job so I can’t say it’s a weakness at this point, but it’s something we want to continue to work on.”
While that’s a good sign for UA’s “bandits” and “wolves” or defensive ends and edge linebackers, it doesn’t bode well for the inexperienced offensive tackle candidates and dual contenders at center. Reporters weren’t allowed to view the scrimmage and didn’t receive stats.
Alabama’s first-team defense was most likely anchored by Keanu Koht and Quandarrius Robinson on the edges, with Jah-Marien Latham, Tim Keenan III, and Tim Smith inside. Alabama will start Elijah Pritchett and Wilkin Formby at tackle. Parker Brailsford and James Brockermeyer are competing for center. Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts are the only returning starters at the guard positions.
A clear experience gap on paper may be playing out compared to the experience at other positions on the offense. While more reps and spring practices can change that, the return of a former freshman tackle could answer a major question. But for now, Alabama stressed competition this week, and nowhere is that clearer than on the offensive line.
“Those kids are young, talented, hungry, well coached. I think (Chris) Kap(ilovic) is doing a phenomenal job. He’s an excellent – he’s an expert offensive line coach and we’re lucky he’s our offensive line coach and he’s pouring into those kids,” offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said earlier this week. “They have responded and I see improvement each and every day. Physicality, toughness, effort. I think we all recognize the importance of the offensive line in this league. We’re not where we need to be but those kids are improving. … We’re promoting competition.”
Fortunately for Alabama, a solution could be on the way from a familiar face. Kadyn Proctor, an All-Southeastern Conference freshman left lineman, announced his return to the Crimson Tide following a spell with Iowa last week. The earliest he can transfer is April 15, when the transfer site reopens for the post-spring period.
He would be assigned to protect Jalen Milroe’s blind zone in 2023. Proctor even made a Rose Bowl appearance despite a ruptured ligament in his ankle. But for now, UA hopes to build on their first scrimmage with their current roster and offensive line options.
