Nick Saban complimentary of Alabama center Darrian Dalcourt

Although sixth-year senior Chris Owens is widely expected to be the starting center against Miami, Alabama head coach Nick Saban remains impressed with junior Darrian Dalcourt. Both were listed as co-starters on the Crimson Tide’s initial depth chart released Monday.

“He’s gotten bigger and stronger playing with a little bit more power,” Saban said of Dalcourt. “He has a lot of competition at the center position, which is a good thing. But he has played really well and had a good fall camp and we’re really pleased with the progress that he’s made and excited about watching him when he gets an opportunity to play. He has really shown a lot of maturity in his play throughout fall camp.”

Dalcourt, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound junior, has played in 14 games during his career in Tuscaloosa. He was previously a backup to Remington Award winner (nation’s best center) Landon Dickerson and has played snaps at right guard. Dalcourt was one of the top linemen in the class of 2019. 

Owens stepped into the starting role last season when Dickerson tore his ACL against Florida in the 2020 SEC Championship game. He played 210 total snaps last season. Owens started in four games in 2019 as well.

Last week, Alabama head coach Nick Saban told reporters he was looking for more steadiness of play prior to naming a starter. He appears to have gotten that steadiness from Owens, although Dalcourt will definitely play.

Alabama’s offensive line poised for another elite season

Winning a starting spot on the Crimson Tide’s offensive line is quite the feat. Every year it is one of the best in college football. Phil Steele has Alabama’s offensive line ranked No. 1 in the nation for 2021. 

In addition to the center position, Alabama will have two other new starters on the offensive line after three total players left for the NFL. New offensive coordinator and former Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone takes over as the position unit’s coach. Marrone has coached the position in multiple capacities since 1993 including stints with Georgia, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Syracuse, the Jets, the Saints, the Bills and the Jaguars.

Left tackle Evan Neal is the Crimson Tide’s top prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-7, 345-pound (this is notable because he played last season at 360 pounds) is a potential top-10 selection. Right guard Emil Ekiyor is the other returning starter.

Javion Cohen was named starter at left guard, and Kendall Randolph will start at right tackle. It is worth noting that true freshman JC Lantham is listed second at the right tackle position with Damieon. Lantham was the top offensive tackle in the 2021 class.