Alabama searching for consistency from RT Elijah Pritchett
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — After a position battle in the preseason, Alabama has been rolling with Elijah Pritchett at right tackle for the overwhelming majority of the year.
Pritchett, a former 5-star recruit, has had an up-and-down year since establishing himself as the top player for the job during the South Florida game back in Week 2. Alabama offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic discussed Pritchett’s progress after Alabama’s Wednesday practice, citing consistency as the primary area of focus for him.
“Yeah, consistency is really the big thing. You’ll watch him, and he’ll have some really good plays. Good sets, good with his hands,” Kapilovic said. “I think I was looking, there’s four guys he’s had to block this season that are projected to be first rounders. And he’s done some really good things. But then, the minute his set isn’t quite right, he leans a little bit or doesn’t use his hands, you’re gonna get exposed. That’s the thing, when you’re out on that island 40 times a game or whatever it is, consistency is really important. Also, you’ve got to be able to change things up to not give them the same look every time. It’s definitely a challenge, but the thing about it is he’s shown he can do it, we just need more consistency from him.”
Kapilovic was asked specifically if Pritchett was starting to turn a corner, similarly to how starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor did around this time last season in his first year as a starter.
He reiterated that Pritchett has shown all the capabilities needed to be a great player, but hammered home the consistency aspect of his game.
Top 10
- 1
Donald Trump
Former President nixes PSU vs. Ohio State
- 2Hot
Terrible calls
10 worst CFB ref blunders
- 3
Florida-Georgia game moving
Atlanta, Tampa set to host SEC rivalry
- 4
Nightmare scenario
ACC tiebreak chaos
- 5
Bryce Underwood
Inside the NIL-fueled recruitment for 5-star LSU QB commit
“That’s hard for me to say when there wasn’t the consistency we wanted on Saturday,” Kapilovic said. “I think, like I said, he has shown the ability to do it. It’s just a matter of him really locking in mentally and being consistent in his play to be able to get to that. It’s the same thing, like you talked about Proctor and his film from last year, me and him even watched some of the sets and the things he was doing wrong, and sometimes when you start losing some reps it’s really hard mentally to bounce back. You start panicking, you start getting out of your technique and form. That’s the biggest thing is just, why did you get beat, and let’s figure out how to help you.”
Even with Pritchett’s inconsistencies, the Alabama offensive line has had a very solid season. Proctor has had a breakout season of sorts at the other tackle spot, while left guard Tyler Booker and center Parker Brailsford have been two of the best players on the team this season. At right guard Jaeden Roberts has dealt with some injuries, but is a very good player in his own right.
The offensive line is coming off one of its best games of the season against Missouri, where Alabama established the run better than it has in any SEC game this year, totaling 271 yards on the ground. Kapilovic said it was something to build off of entering Alabama’s second bye week of the season, as te Crimson Tide gets ready to face LSU on the road on Nov. 9.
