2018 Alabama Offensive Line Preview

Returning starters: Jonah Williams, Ross Pierschbacher, Lester Cotton, Matt Womack
Starter lost: Bradley Bozeman

TOP CANDIDATES

Just because there’s plenty of returning talent doesn’t mean there isn’t competition at multiple spots. Womack missed spring with a foot injury, then sustained another injury in fall camp that will keep him out for the start of the season. That brings sophomores Jedrick Wills and Alex Leatherwood to the forefront. Williams is a good bet to start at left tackle and Pierschbacher looks solidly entrenched at center after starting at guard for three years. Deonte Brown and Josh Casher are both solid players at guard who have a chance to impact those positions. This group has no shortage of talent but will take some time to firm up the best five.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

The depth on the offensive line might prevent a freshman from making a major impact, but Tommy Brown is one to keep an eye on. The 6-foot-7 tackle was a four-star prospect from California powerhouse Mater Dei.

YOU NEED TO KNOW

Williams is considered to be Alabama’s top NFL draft prospect for 2019 and a likely top-10 pick if he chooses to forego his senior season. The highest an offensive lineman from Alabama has been drafted since Nick Saban arrived was sixth overall, when Andre Smith was chosen by the Bengals in 2009.

OUTLOOK

This should be one of the strengths of the offense once the coaches find the right combination. Williams and Pierschbacher have both received preseason All-American recognition. Cotton has shown he’s a powerful blocker. Wills, Leatherwood and Womack would all be starters for the majority of major programs. The talent on Alabama’s offensive line and at running back should form the backbone of the Alabama attack regardless of who wins the quarterback competition.

KEY STAT

104
Alabama returns 104 career starts on the offensive line, led by Pierschbacher’s 42. Williams has started 29, Cotton has 18 starts and Womack has 14. Wills started one game last year.

QUOTABLE

“Ross having so much game experience, it was an easy transition for him. He had played some center here at different times throughout his career. I think he’s been able, with his experience, to anchor that offensive line and get us all on the same page up front which is really important.”
– Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley