Nick Saban unsure if Alabama will play both left tackles again at State

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama played two different left tackles in its 24-10 win over Ole Miss on Saturday. Kadyn Proctor started the SEC opener, as he has all four games this season, but was replaced by Elijah Pritchett in the second quarter. Proctor returned to the field for the start of the second half and would play for the remainder of the 14-point victory.

After the game, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said he wanted to play both guys in the SEC West matchup with the Rebels but waited to offer his thoughts on their performances until he was able to watch the film. On Monday he was asked about Pritchett, as well as offensive guard Terrence Ferguson, who spelled Darrian Dalcourt during the game.

“Both guys did OK,” said Saban to kick off Mississippi State week. “I think there were some things we’d like to finish better. I think the big point of emphasis with our offensive line is gotta get your second step in the ground, gotta get your hands inside so that we can finish blocks. 

“That would be the case with both of those guys. But it also is sort of an overall evaluation of what we need to do to get better on the offensive line.”

Pritchett is in his second year in the program, and after redshirting last season, he spent most of the spring as the first-team left tackle. That carried over to the start of preseason drills in August before Proctor made a move and claimed the job before the season kicked off.

But Proctor has struggled at times to start his true freshman campaign, which has seemingly led to Pritchett getting some in-game opportunities with the ones. Last week, Tyler Booker returned to the lineup after missing the South Florida game due to back spasms. One of Alabama’s better linemen, Booker helps the left tackle with calls and evaluated Pritchett’s play.

“Pritch did really well,” Booker said. “It was his first real action in a very serious game. As with anybody, there’s mistakes that need to be cleaned up, but I’m very proud of Pritch for coming in and being able to plug and play. The more guys that you have ready to play on the offensive line, the better your offensive line is.”

Alabama (3-1, 1-0 SEC) now turns its attention to Mississippi State (2-2, 0-2) for what will be its first SEC road game of the season. Communication will be key for the offensive line as it plays in a loud – and unique with cowbells – road environment in Davis Wade Stadium.

Booker said he is feeling better now after his battle with his back, and Ferguson was deemed “very questionable” for Saturday’s matchup. The injuries, however, have led to some shuffling up front in the on-field prep for the Bulldogs, and thus, Saban did not divulge the left tackle plan for Week 5 and if Alabama planned to play Proctor and Pritchett or not.

“With other injuries on the offensive line, we’re moving guys around, and we haven’t made an assessment yet,” Saban said. “Because really today’s the only real practice – yesterday and I haven’t watched the practice film today. So we make those evaluations on Thursday and Friday as to how we’re going to play guys in the game.”

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