Nick Saban addresses Alabama offensive line rebuild, Bryce Young's progress in 2022

One of the few weaknesses for Nick Saban’s group last year was the offensive line. Evidenced most obviously in the national championship game against that vaunted Georgia front. Bryce Young struggled to get comfortable as the Dawgs’ bullpen of pass rushers made life hell.

With Young coming back and looking to improve, an even better version of him could be unlocked by more consistent offensive line play. At SEC Media Days on Tuesday morning, Saban answered on how the line has developed under a new coach, and how Bryce Young’s approach has him excited for the reigning Heisman winner in 2022.

Here was Saban on the O-line:

“I think that’s where the biggest challenge is the offense line rebuild that we need to do. Excited about the coach we have at that position. Coach [Eric] Wolford has done a really good job with the players and relationship-building, fundamental progress.”

Wolford took the job for Doug Marrone, who left Alabama for the New Orleans Saints. And Wolford comes from Kentucky, where he took over for late legend John Schlarman, who developed Kentucky into one of the best OL groups in the country. Though Wolford’s departure from Lexington came on contentious terms.

Saban then went on to say some new faces could make immediate impact along the line.

“We do have some new players that may contribute to that who weren’t there in the spring. So that’s something we’ll have to sort of assess in fall camp.”

Nick Saban on Bryce Young staying locked in

The Alabama coach then addressed his returning quarterback. Saban stressed that Bryce Young needs to stay focused on improving because his success from 2021 is far from guaranteed to transfer over to this coming season.

“I think that one of the most important things for Bryce or any player who has success, is…to understand that success is not a continuum. Success is momentary, so if you want to continue to have success, you have to stay focused on the things you need to do to improve, prepare, to lead, to impact and affect other people around you.”

But the third-year QB is passing these tests with flying colors, according to Coach Saban.

“Bryce is showing every indication that he has a willingness to do all those things. He’s a perfectionist in terms of what we wants to do and what he wants to accomplish. So far, I’ve been pleased with the way he’s been able to maintain the mindset that you need to continue to improve and make progress as a player.”

Could Young become the second ever to win back-to-back Heisman trophies