OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Returning: Jonah Williams, Scott Lashley, Matt Womack, Lester Cotton
New additions: Alex Leatherwood, Elliot Baker
Analysis: Competition will be fierce here, as Jonah Williams is expected to move to a new position (LT) and the rest compete for his vacated right tackle spot. Elliot Baker was expected to lead the competition there but a poor showing at Alabama’s recent underclassman pro day, where Baker’s 40-yard dash time was clocked at more than 6 seconds, has resulted in some concern. Scott Lashley is still a bit raw but he may be the best pure tackle prospect on the team, which would be quite a feat given that Williams is still around. Matt Womack and Lester Cotton both have the ideal body type and makeup for right tackle, but Cotton got things off to a bad start in 2017 by being arrested for drug possession in February. The other major question is how long can Alabama keep the redshirt on Alex Leatherwood, who figures to be in competition for both tackle and both guard jobs. Cotton’s arrest was for a very minor issue, so don’t expect his candidacy to be negatively impacted in any significant way. That makes the upcoming battle among the remaining five players one of the most entertaining of the spring.
OFFENSIVE INTERIOR LINE
Returning: Bradley Bozeman, Ross Pierschbacher, Josh Casher, J.C. Hassenauer, Dallas Warmack, Brandon Kennedy, Richie Petitbon, Chris Owens, Deonte Brown, Jacob Probasco*
New additions: None
Analysis: There’s a ton of talent here but aside from center Bradley Bozeman, consistency is lacking. Bozeman may end up being the only returning starter to hold onto his job or at least stay in the same position, despite the fact there are three starters returning to the line overall. At the end of last year, Ross Pierschbacher was back at left guard after beginning the season at right guard, and Josh Casher was pushing Korren Kirven at right guard before a broken foot during bowl practices ended his year. Assuming Bozeman holds onto center, Pierschbacher will fight primarily with Casher, Brandon Kennedy and Dallas Warmack for the two guard spots. Richie Petitbon is trying to rebound from injuries that slowed his early development, while redshirts Chris Owens and Deonte Brown are big, blue-collar maulers who have yet to get an opportunity. The wild card is reserve center J.C. Hassenauer, who probably hasn’t developed as much as was hoped, and suddenly finds himself a senior. If he comes on with a strong spring performance, he could shuffle Bozeman out to a guard spot and then the entire line might be new compared to 2016. Alabama needs another body to step up at center, and walk-on Jacob Probasco might fill that role. Casher is also a possibility there. Three of the tackles, Lester Cotton, Matt Womack and Alex Leatherwood, have varying degrees of potential as guards, and Cotton is a former starter at guard. The problem here, across the board, is that when Alabama struggled running the ball in 2016, it was typically because of inconsistency within the offensive line, and particularly from guard to guard. Expect to see a lot of movement and experimentation here before the coaches settle on a rotation.
