Geno VanDeMark remains a Swiss Army knife for Alabama: 'Just trying to do what I can to help this team win'

New Jersey native Geno VanDeMark started his career at Michigan State. He enters his second season with Alabama. It has been less than a year since he arrived in Tuscaloosa, but the off-season program with his teammates has been beneficial this spring.

“I’m definitely more comfortable here,” VanDeMark said after practice on Tuesday. “I didn’t get spring ball here or go through winter conditioning with these guys in the fourth quarter program (last year). It takes time just building relationships. That was the main thing.

“I still want to be better with my lateral movement and just refitting my hands in pass-pro. I just want to be an all-around better player, but those two things specifically.”

Alabama added another interior offensive lineman via the transfer portal this offseason in former Texas A&M guard Kam Dewberry. He’s another veteran who played both guard positions in College Station. VanDeMark has been impressed with what he’s seen in his new teammate.

“I think Dew (Dewberry) has done a great job coming in learning,” he said. “He’s in the film room all the time. He’s a good player. He’s a big dude, powerful guy. He has good hands. He’s a good player. He’s a guy with a ton of SEC experience. 

“He’s an older guy, one of the older guys in the room; we’re not the oldest room in the country. We were pretty young last year, but we’re older now. He’s a good vet addition for sure.”

VanDeMark was asked about players who have made improvements since last year. He noted interior lineman Will Sanders. He was also questioned regarding the heralded freshman class. 

“Mal Waldrep is doing some good stuff in the pass-pro world for sure,” the redshirt senior said. “I think he’s probably going to be an interior guy. He’s playing left tackle right now. I probably couldn’t do that, so he’s looking good.

“Freshman-wise, they’re all freshmen and have a long way to go, but I’ve really liked the mindset of those guys. They’re really hungry to learn. I appreciate the work they’re putting in.”

Alabama pursued VanDeMark in the portal a year ago for his ability to work any spot on the interior. He’s gritty and loves to bring the lunch pail to work in any way the team needs.

“I don’t find it too hard just because I’ve done it since I was a freshman,” he said when asked about playing center in addition to guard. “That was one of the first things Kap (Alabama OL coach Chris Kapilovic) had me do when I first got to Michigan State. I’ve been doing it for a while. I’ve been snapping most days since then. I don’t have an issue going left (guard) or right (guard) or center.”

VanDeMark added regarding his arrival last year, “I was ready for whenever my number was called to do whatever I could to help my team win a football game. I wasn’t worried about how many reps I’m getting or how I’m being viewed. I’m just trying to do what I can to help this team win football games and be a great offensive line. So that’s just how I mentally prepared. I don’t know exactly when or how many reps I’m going to get, but when I do, I’m just going to go and play my best for my team.”

Coach Kap is a beast on the recruiting side for the Crimson Tide. He’s been an important figure inside the Alabama athletic facility, especially with players like VanDeMark.

“When I hit the portal, Kap reached out; I was fired up to play for my guy again,” the veteran lineman said. “I love Coach Kap and to also come to a place like this. It’s a tremendous honor to be lucky enough to have that privilege to wear the script A and represent what this place is about.

“I think the way he coaches he’s easy to understand what he’s trying to tell you. He’ll make it pretty clear sometimes. I think it’s just who he is. I’ll just call him sometimes and not talk about football. I just kind of BS with him some. He’s just a good dude. He’s got some energy. 

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Speaking of energy, Alabama lost one of its “bring the juice” type players on the offensive line in Tyler Booker. VanDeMark is excited about the returning unit and noted the one guy who gets everyone amped; it should come as no surprise.

“I think it’s a collective effort,” he said. “I think we are doing a good job. It could be better from all of us just having new voices emerge in the leadership realm. J-Rob (Jaeden Roberts) is always hitting the smelling salts and gives a pretty good scream. That gets everyone going.

“I think we have a lot of potential as a great overall group. It’s up to us to put the work in now. Really grind and refine ourselves against the defense. We want to be the best we can be every day, and just have a growth mindset.”

VanDeMark matches up against a lot of talent on the defensive front. He’s taken notice of a few others who have taken the next step this year.

“(Jeremiah) Beaman and Edric (Hill),” he said. “They look different. They’re playing a lot different — faster and more physical. They are better d-linemen than they were a year ago. They are giving us some trouble. They are good players.”

The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder said his job hasn’t changed much from transitioning from a running quarterback like Jalen Milroe to the three current QBs on the Tide’s roster. He still has to “block the 330-pound guys trying to run through my face.”  He shared some light on the QB room, however, including freshman Keelon Russell.

“Keelon throws a really pretty football,” VanDeMark said. “He’s going about it the right way. He’s a young guy with confidence, but not arrogance. I think he’s been doing some really good things.

“I think all three guys (Russell, Ty Simpson, Austin Mack) are doing great right now. For Ty, he has the veteran aspect. He’s relaxed. So is Mack. I like all three guys. All are good people, and I look forward to working with them.”

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