Saban wants more consistency from Alabama center, no starter named

Less than two weeks out from Alabama’s opening game against Miami there has yet to be a decision from head coach Nick Saban as to who will be the starting center as the battle between Chris Owens and Darrian Dalcourt wages on.

Saban told media on Wednesday that he’s looking for more consistency from the center position.

“I think we’ve got to get a lot more consistency at the position,” Saban said. “Consistency in snaps, consistency in blocking. We do have competition at the position no doubt about that. Both guys are making progress and both guys are competing both guys been a little banged up at times so there hasn’t been that consistency we’d like to see in terms of them being able to go out there and do what they do but it’s a work in progress right now and there’s no decision as to where we are as to who’s going to win that job.”

Owens is the incumbent starter, having filled in for Alabama’s final three games of the 2020 season when starting center Landon Dickerson went down with a torn ACL in the SEC Title game against Florida. However, Dalcourt has made it tough for Owens to hold on to starting center spot, and even ran with the first team during last week’s scrimmage.

Chris Owens has played in 38 games as he enters his sixth season and has played almost everywhere on the offensive line including center, guard, tackle, and even tight end. Owens has seven total starts to his name.

Dalcourt is entering his third year at Alabama and has appeared in 14 total games. Coming out of high school. Dalcourt was a four-star prospect from St. Frances Academy. As a senior, Dalcourt helped St. Frances Academy win a state title. He capped off his high school career appearing in the 2019 Under Armour All-America Game.

Alabama center Landon Dickerson, offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood and guard Deonte Brown all departed for the NFL this offseason, leaving three holes on the offensive line. As the battle ensues at center, Evan Neal slides over from right tackle to left tackle to fill the hole left behind by Leatherwood. Javion Cohen is expected to fill the hole left behind by Brown guard. At right tackle, Kendall Randolph is the favorite to man the spot. The final line spot is filled by Emil Ekiyor Jr, who returns at right guard.