Damon Payne on Alabama OL James Brockermeyer: 'He's never gonna stop working'

Alabama is looking to replace more than one multi-year starter at the center position. Over the past three seasons, it’s mostly been either Seth McLaughlin or Darrian Dalcourt manning that spot. But now, Dalcourt has exhausted all of his eligibility and McLaughlin has taken his talents up north to Ohio State. Those two departures have left a hole in the middle of the offensive line.

Former Washington starter Parker Brailsford followed his head coach Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa to be one of those options. There’s since been reports that the former second-team All-Pac-12 offensive lineman is away from the team due to personal reasons, but he remains a strong possibility to start if he chooses to return to the team at some point.

The other option is James Brockermeyer, who’s now been at Alabama for more than three years.

The Fort Worth (Tex.) product arrived in the same 2021 recruiting class that featured the top two tackles, JC Latham and James’ brother, Tommy Brockermeyer. Plus, you saw two other linemen, both guards, inked in that same cycle. One of those interior signings was Terrence Ferguson II (No. 64 overall player) with the other being Jaeden Roberts (No. 266 overall).

Latham panned out in a major way over the last two season en route to All-American status and a projected first-round pick later this month. And after being the lowest-rated offensive line signing in that 2021 group, Roberts has also emerged as a quality starter and leader for Alabama. Unfortunately, the other two (Tommy Brockermeyer and Ferguson) never found their way to consistent playing time and eventually transferred elsewhere.

That only leaves the other Brockermeyer twin, James. If he can become a quality player in the new offensive system, then the Crimson Tide would’ve hit on three of the five, which isn’t a bad return. The early signs point towards the 6-foot-3, 295-pound lineman taking a next step in his development, too. Prior to Brailsford stepping away, the two were splitting first-team reps at center, and the coaching staff had loved what each of them brought to the table.

“Great competition. We’re rotating guys,” UA offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic told reporters earlier this spring. “Nothing’s better for your team than competition. When you’ve got another guy behind you that’s pushing you and can win that job, that raises the level of play for both of those guys. Brock’s an extremely intelligent kid. It’s amazing how he’s picked up this offense so quickly. Having Parker here, who’s been through the offense, also helps. But it’s been good to see those two guys compete.”

With Brailsford out at the moment, Brockermeyer has been awarded with some added opportunities in spring practice. That’s given defensive linemen such as Damon Payne, Tim Keenan III and Tim Smith a first-hand look to see more of him. You can count Payne as a guy who’s been impressed by the center’s ongoing development.

“James has been a dog ever since he got here,” Payne told reporters after Wednesday’s practice. “He’s one of those guys that’s never gonna stop. You may be sleeping on him, but he’s never gonna stop working. The reps have definitely gotten a lot harder with James. He’s definitely turned that switch on, as he always does. And I’m very happy for him and what he’s doing right now.”

Center is a critical spot when it comes to the success of your offense. Alabama fans should know this first-hand after seeing the position struggle with snaps all throughout last season. This new coaching staff is searching for a solution, and while Brailsford still presents a strong option should he choose to return, the other guy in this competition is making some early waves this spring.

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