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Roster countdown: 73 Alinen; 71 Dalcourt; 69 Ferguson

bioby:Travis Reier•06/30/23•

travisreier

darrian dalcourt
Photo courtesy of UA Athletics

Counting down the Alabama roster three players at a time. Next up for the 2023 series: offensive linemen Olaus Alinen, Darrian Dalcourt and Terrence Ferguson.

73 OL Olaus Alinen

2022: A native of Pori, Finland, Alinen played his junior and senior seasons of high school football at The Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut. According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Alinen ranked as the No. 12 offensive tackle prospect for the 2023 recruiting cycle. Enrolled at UA in January and took part in 2023 spring drills.

Of note: One of four offensive tackle signees to make their practice debuts in the spring, Alinen opened the A-Day game at right guard for the Crimson (second-team) offense. In the scrimmage, the newcomer’s length served him well while working in pass protection. Technique and awareness are advanced for early enrollee. Alinen also showed well in the run game, an area that will improve with better pad level. More of a question of when Alinen finds his way into the starting lineup than if.

What we wrote about Alinen at the time of his signing in December: “Physically, already in a place that will allow him to compete early in his UA career. Family background in the game shows up in solid fundamentals and technique. Mauler who thrives on finishing opponents with emphasis.”

71 OL Darrian Dalcourt

2022: Saw action in seven games, making five starts. SEC offensive lineman of the week honoree after recording four knockdown blocks in season-opening win over Utah State. In limited action, didn’t give up a sack while committing one penalty. Back issues forced Dalcourt from the starting lineup in early October, paving the way for Seth McLaughlin to take over at center for the second season in a row.

Of note: With McLaughlin continuing on with the first group at center in the spring, Dalcourt slid over to left guard. Teaming with McLaughlin and right guard Tyler Booker on the trio, Dalcourt helped White team running backs Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams rush for a combined 60 yards on 11 carries in the A-Day game. Along with JC Latham, Dalcourt was honored with the Paul Crane Offensive Lineman Award post-scrimmage. The question for Dalcourt is obvious: Can he stay healthy over the course of an entire season? If he can, Alabama might very well have a pair of starting guards who garner All-SEC recognition.

69 OL Terrence Ferguson

2022: As a redshirt freshman, Ferguson appeared in five games, playing a total of 53 snaps. Had two knockdown blocks in season-high 20 snaps of work against Louisiana-Monroe.

Of note: Another interior option who has tackle in his background, Ferguson has settled in at guard. Opened the most recent spring game at left guard for the Crimson (second-team) offense. When it was over, Ferguson was among those honored with the Bart Starr Most Improved Player Award. In the scrimmage, Ferguson displayed power and short space agility in the run game and handled one-on-one pass rush opportunities with aplomb. If he isn’t there already, Ferguson will soon arrive at Power Five starter status. Given Dalcourt’s injury history, that’s a good thing.

Previous:

77 Roberts; 75 Formby; 74 Proctor

82 Hale; 81 Dippre; 80 Prentice

87 Lewis; 86 Burnip; 84 Niblack

90 Renaud; 89 Lockwood; 88 Kitsleman

93 Latham; 92 Eboigbe; 91 Oatis

96 Keenan; 95 Goodwine; 94 Hill

99 Hastings; 98 Burroughs; 97 Perry

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