Football Fight: Right Tackle

[Crimson Surfer]

Football Fight: Right Tackle

Until a few weeks ago, the Alabama depth chart at offensive right tackle had the look of one ace amid a handful of question marks. But that changed this summer when a new ace was dealt to the position.

Kyle Tatum has been Alabama’s starting right tackle the past two years after having played on the defensive front in 2003. Last year he was honorable mention All-Southeastern Conference.

 

[IMALOYAL1]

I'm glad to see the coaches aren't "standing pat" on the tackle positions, or any OL position for that matter. Hopefully someone will work their butt off to win the position.

 

[coosacrimson]

I hope for us fans that spells confidence in our offensive line for the next two to three years.
I am hopeful now with the OL recruits.
RTR:BigA:

 

[Proxigean Tide]

Shula has coached on NFL teams where starters jobs were never threatened by the slightest competition. He knows what it takes to get the best out of a player...insecurity.

A damaging yet often overlooked effect of sanctions is that the few good players you have don't reach their true potential because nobody is around to challenge for their job.

Its good to see Bama getting back to having players fighting to get on the field. RTR.

 

[bamabryan]

I think the most important thing as far as the OL goes is to get the five best offensive lineman on the field regardless of what class they are in. It is important that these guys be pushing one another. The competition will make them all better.

 

[bamaslaw]

Any quality competition is a good thing. Good to see it again.

 

[Crimson Hawk]

Still, Tatum, 6-8, 290, will go into fall camp number one.

Wow, I didn't realize Tatum was that big!

 

[buzzincuzzin]

He's not.

 

[IBCandW]

I'm not sure anyone knows how big Tatum is.....I've heard he is anywhere from
6'7" to 6'8" 290lbs to 300lbs. I just wish he had quicker feet.

 

[buzzincuzzin]

280 soaking wet, with a pair of pliers in his back pocket.

 

[OrangeSucks]

He's not.

I've been good friends with Tatum for several years now. I see him at least once a month when he comes home. I'm not commenting on his abilities, but I can assure you that he IS that big. 6'7"+ barefooted, and he plays at 290, he's gotten up to 305 before last season.

ROLL TIDE ROLL

 

[GreatDanish]

If Stabler were to move to RT, then what would our guard situation look like?

We'd have:
Marlon Davis
Justin Britt
Justin Moon
And a bunch of freshmen.

Am I forgetting someone?

Would that mean Antoine Caldwell would move back to guard? I wouldn't be too high on that move.
Would Andre Smith start out at guard? I would like that, but apparently, he is set on vying for the LT spot.

I don't know. I like Stabler where he is, although the competition would be nice. I don't think having competition at RT at the expense of a capable guard is worth the trade-off.

 

[buzzincuzzin]

Tatum has become a hero of mine. With all the bemoaning about the OL just think, WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT HIM. He became the best RT on the squad the day he walked over from the D, and has held it ever since. I'll not comment on the skill or performance levels, but his devotion in some of the darkest days in Bama history should be revered as much as KD, RR, GM, CMS or anyone. The next time you find yourself whining about the tackles, just think : What if Tatum WASN'T there. Tell him thanks and, weight him up, I still say he plays closer to 280.

 

[bamabryan]

Would that mean Antoine Caldwell would move back to guard?

If Caldwell were to move back to guard, it would most likely mean that Evan Cardwell will be playing center.

I don't think this will happen although I've read that Cardwell has has played very well in practice. My understanding is the coaches have been pleased with his progress.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Caldwell was offered the opportunity to move back to guard, but he turned it down. He realizes that center is his ticket to Sundays...

 

[runtheoption22]

Terry, Jess, Earle......

are they considering taking the "Bryant scholly" tag off of Deaton and putting him into the rotation? Heard some positives on him.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I really think...

that those decisions will wait for fall camp. Particularly, I think how the incoming frosh are doing will make a difference. Of course, it's a given that you can't depend on freshman OL, but our situation throws that rule into doubt...

 

[bamaslaw]

Re: I really think...

that those decisions will wait for fall camp. Particularly, I think how the incoming frosh are doing will make a difference. Of course, it's a given that you can't depend on freshman OL, but our situation throws that rule into doubt...

I know I'm depending on those incoming freshmen. :smile:

 

[buzzincuzzin]

CMS has depended on freshmen from day one. One of his main goals was not to have to play as many as he did. The shear numbers have declined but this is the first real OL class he recruited so, if the young ones are stronger, quicker, and 15 lbs heavier, why wouldn't they get a shot. Did M. Davis play as a freshman? I thought one or two did, but I can't remember.

 

[bamabryan]

Did M. Davis play as a freshman? I thought one or two did, but I can't remember.

Marlon Davis did play as a freshman although he miss some time due to injury.

He's going to be a good one.