Nick Saban wants to see more consistency, depth on Alabama OL, DL
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama head coach Nick Saban will be the first to admit that he doesn’t watch much of the offensive line – or either line of scrimmage, for that matter – during games or scrimmages. Like most other observers, he is focused on the ball and where it ends up.
After Saturday’s first scrimmage inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, Saban was asked about the play of the offensive line during the two-hour workout while sharing his overall preseason thoughts.
“Inconsistent, not enough depth,” Saban said. “We had a couple explosive runs, but when you’re playing against each other, was the explosive run because of great execution? Or was it because of terrible execution on the other side? Until you watch the film, it’s kind of hard to evaluate.
“I just think we need to get more guys on the offensive line to be able to play winning football, and we need to add depth to the group. We’ve got maybe 6-7 guys that I think can play, but we need a lot more than that to get through the season.”
Alabama welcomed back four players with starting experience from last year’s offensive line in centers Seth McLaughlin and Darrian Dalcourt, guard Tyler Booker and tackle JC Latham. This preseason, Dalcourt has been battling redshirt sophomore Terrence Ferguson for the spot at left guard, while Elijah Pritchett and Kadyn Proctor have been battling for the left tackle job. As the first full week of fall camp comes to a close, those competitions are still up in the air.
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Also on Saturday, Saban was asked about the Crimson Tide’s defensive line, which lost a pair of veterans but welcomed back three guys with starting experience – Justin Eboigbe, Jaheim Oatis and Tim Smith. Those three players are expected to once again log plenty of minutes in the fall, but Alabama needs others to step up, as well, especially after losing a player to the transfer portal this summer. But like the offensive line, Saban wants to see consistency there.
“I think we have 5-6 guys that are playing pretty well,” Saban said. “Again, the same old thing, we need more people to be able to go out there and play consistently the way you need to play to play winning football because that’s probably not enough.
“But Oatis has had a really, really good camp. Justin has had a really good camp so far. We’re trying to bring some of the other guys along to be able to play. Tim’s a little up and down. He needs to be more consistent. Everybody’s got something that they need to work on, and that’s really what we’re focused on right now.”
Alabama will have Sunday, Aug. 13, off before resuming fall practice Monday, Aug. 14.
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