Robbie Ouzts takes pride in 'doing the dirty work' for Alabama offense

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Tight end Robbie Ouzts is one of Alabama’s most unheralded players. But the Crimson Tide vet is a favorite for some of the top film-watchers of college football.

The reason? Ouzts embraces the often thankless task of blocking for his teammates.

“I’ve always had that pride in doing the dirty work,” Ouzts said. “Coming out of high school, I wasn’t a big stats guy. That’s kind of what got me to this level, was putting my hand down and just doing the things other guys didn’t want to. I look forward to doing that. 

“Somebody’s gotta do it, and I’ll be him.”

SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic has shared multiple clips on X of Ouzts springing runs for Alabama’s running backs and receivers with impressive blocks. Last week against Missouri, Ouzts lined up off left tackle Kadyn Proctor’s left hip and pulled across the formation as a lead blocker for Jam Miller, mowing over a Tigers defender in the process.

Weekly you should have a greater appreciation for Robbie Ouzts tweet…. pic.twitter.com/FwNhd2qw3B

— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) October 28, 2024

After Thursday’s bye week practice, Ouzts was asked about his mindset on plays like that. Had Cubelic been present for the interview, he would likely have been smiling for the answer.

“Honestly, there is no mindset,” Ouzts said. “I just kind of black out. It just feels natural for me. I just see target, hit target.”

Cubelic isn’t the only sports figure with a man crush on Ouzts. Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy has also raved over the Alabama tight end this fall. An NFL scout for 18 years, Nagy believes Ouzts has a place in the NFL as a fullback after his college career.

“Football is better with a fullback and Alabama’s Robbie Ouzts … is one of few potential draftable guys in this year’s class,” Nagy posted on X. “Also might have best mustache in CFB.”

Ouzts identifies more as a fullback/H-back. It’s what he was recruited to Tuscaloosa to play by the previous staff, and it’s a position he admires. A native of South Carolina, Ouzts dons the No. 45 because of former Carolina Panthers fullback Brad Hoover (2000-09).

“I love playing fullback,” Ouzts said. “If I have a chance at the next level, I feel like it’ll be kind of at the fullback position just because of my build. But for (Nagy) to say something like that, that’s an honor.”

Alabama lists Ouzts at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds. He’s almost like an extra lineman, which makes sense as to why Crimson Tide offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic is a fan of the tight end.

“He’s probably a guy that’s talked about the least that plays at a really high level,” Kapilovic said on Wednesday. “You can pull up every game and you see some physical things from him that are really impressive. So having him in there is a huge asset.

“Everybody wants the ball, but he takes pride in being a physical blocker. You can tell there’s just an intensity to him. He loves it.”

Ouzts has already tied his career-high for catches with four through Alabama’s first eight games, but his contributions in the run game might be just as important to his receiving yardage. 

Developing a love for blocking over his career, Ouzts knows the unheralded part is necessary.

“Somebody’s gotta be that guy on any successful football team,” Ouzts. “You’ve gotta have a group of guys really that wanna do the dirty work. And I think it’s the beautiful part of playing the sport that I play is you can legally hit somebody, as hard as you can. 

“So just kind of taking advantage of that and just willing to be that guy on the team that is gonna open up some lanes for the ball carrier, it’s fun.”

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