At 6-foot-1 and 291 pounds, Alabama offensive lineman Josh Casher doesn’t fit the typical mold for someone with Napoleon complex. He is one of the smaller offensive linemen on Alabama’s roster, but what the redshirt senior lacks in size he makes up for with his overwhelmingly positive attitude and personality.
“It really wouldn’t matter if I was 6-foot-7 or whatever, you know, I strive to push my teammates in every way,” Casher said. “So we try not to really focus on that. One thing I try to do is every day I go out on the field, as Coach Saban always talks about, (play) with discipline and focus, and paying attention to detail and just trying to be the best player you can be.”
It’s up to the Alabama coaching staff to decide if Casher is distinguished enough to earn a role as a starter, but there’s no question he stands out in the locker room. Even the Alabama sports information staff joked with the redshirt senior about how loud his voice projects when answering interview questions.
“He’s just out of the world, man,” Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams said of his teammate. “It’s just like he comes with a smile, he comes with a big voice every day. So when he says stuff, everybody just listens because as you can see, he has a big voice. You know what I’m saying? So when he speaks up, everybody listens. Everybody will recall what he’s saying. He’s always positive. He always speaks highly of everyone.”
After the Crimson Tide lost offensive linemen Bradley Bozeman and J.C. Hassenauer this offseason, the long-time Alabama reserve is in position to compete for a starting job come fall. Casher played snaps at guard in six games last season. He’s gotten some snaps with the first team offensive line at left guard during the open periods of spring practice.
“I’ve been very thankful for the opportunity, to be honest with you, you know,” Casher said. “It’s a process being here at Alabama and nothing’s going to be given to you. When you’re here, you’re going to have to work your butt off, you know, pay attention to detail, and really be focused on what’s to come next. I think there’s a lot of guys that are able to play and who are really focused and are willing to put in the work it takes to be great.”
Casher has experience at all three interior positions on the offensive line. His experience and versatility are beneficial to his audition for a starting job.
“(Casher) is a comedian and a hard worker, all in one,” linebacker Jamey Mosley said. “I don’t know how you put comedian and hard worker (together, but) he’s a character, a wonderful type guy, and I love him.”
Casher writes “Every Day Matters” in his playbook before each practice. It serves as a constant reminder that he can have an impact on the team’s play even when he is not on the field. It also helps the senior strive to be the best individual player he can be no matter his size or circumstance.
Although they are competitors until the start of the season, Casher is still aiming to be the voice that holds the offensive line group together, both old and young.
“I love every last one of my O-linemen,” Casher said. “…We’re really tight. So, you know, they’ll ask for my advice and there’s times where even though they’re younger, I’ll be like, ‘Well how did I do on this step?’ or whatever like that. We like to coach each other up because we want to bring the best out of each other.”
