Nick Saban on the ongoing competition at center with Darrian Dalcourt limited

Nick Saban is searching for a suitable replacement at center following Darrian Dalcourt‘s injury. With the former four-star recruit dealing with an ankle injury, the Crimson Tide are looking for someone to step up.

In his press conference earlier this week, Saban stated what he’s looking for in a replacement.

“It’s no different at center than any other position,” stated Saban. “You got to do your job .. got to block the right guy .. finish the block. Got to play the technique correctly so that you have the opportunity to have the best chance to be successful at the position.

“I know everybody tries. But the performance has got to be evaluated in a way that we’re fair and honest with every player that’s competing at every position. If somebody can play better, then that’s what we have to evaluate and sort-of decide and determine.”

Moreover, Saban mentioned offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin as a possible replacement for Dalcourt.

“Seth would be the next guy up,” revealed Saban. “He’s made a lot of improvement. Plays really well. He’s really smart. Tough. Competitive. He plays with the intangibles that we’re looking for at that position.”

Furthermore, Saban also name-dropped Chris Owens are competition for McLaughlin, among others. Owens has started games for Alabama at center in the past, and replaced Dalcourt after he left the game against LSU with the aforementioned injury.

Moreover, starting guard Emil Ekiyor is also an option. Originally, Ekiyor began his career as a backup center for Alabama, prior to shifting to guard.

Saban: ‘We have competition at the position.”

Still, the Crimson Tide haven’t decided on who will possibly replace Dalcourt. Perhaps Saban and company are still holding out hope for the Alabama offensive lineman to play this weekend.

“We have competition at the position,” stated Saban in this week’s SEC coaches teleconference. “Chris has played there before. We also have some young guys that have played the position that have done very well. We want to evaluate and see what gives us the best chance to be successful in the game. We’ll do that throughout the week.”

With Darrian Dalcourt still nursing his ankle injury, it’ll be interesting to see where Nick Saban turns at center. While he still hasn’t made a call on Dalcourt’s status, it would be surprising to see him suit up against New Mexico State.

Still, injuries breed opportunities — somebody needs to step up for Alabama. Saban will have his eyes peeled, searching for the player that does just that this week.