Alabama Football: Can the Offensive Line Be Better in 2012?

With four players returning that started on the offensive line for a majority of the 2011 season, most observers would assume that Alabama’s strength heading into 2012 would be in the trenches.  

Neither talent nor experience will be an issue for offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland’s troops.  

However, like the offense as a whole, the situation up front for Nick Saban’s squad is in a state of transition.  

The health of a pair of projected starters plus the position switch of another provides the intrigue that surrounds the offensive line with spring practice just underway.  

With a new system being installed under new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and considering that the skill units are littered with young faces, it is imperative for the Crimson Tide’s front wall to be stout. 

The expected move of All-American left tackle Barrett Jones to center has officially become a reality, which raises questions about his old spot.  

Of course, at a place like Alabama, there's no shortage of former prep All-Americans waiting for their turn to step into the limelight.  

Cyrus Kouandjio, who is participating in spring practice after recovery from a torn ACL suffered on Oct. 22 against Tennessee, is a former 5-star recruit ready to step into Jones’ sizable shoes at left tackle.  

Kouandjio appeared in eight games last season up until his injury, and considering Saban moved the reigning Outland Trophy winner over to center to fill the shoes of the departed William Vlachos, the staff must feel confident in his ability to protect quarterback A.J. McCarron’s blind side.  

Another starter who is returning from a late-season injury is junior right guard Anthony Steen—who started the first seven games before suffering a concussion against Ole Miss.  

Perhaps, the two most solid positions on the line will be left guard and right tackle—which feature returning veterans Chance Warmack and D.J. Fluker respectively.  

So will this unit be able to match their strong play last season that saw Alabama put up almost 430 yards a game while allowing the fewest sacks (13) in the SEC?  

Despite a position change for Jones and the ailments of Steen and Kouandjio, this group still has the potential to be the best line in the SEC and among the top units in the country.  

Jones—who switched from right guard to left tackle between the 2010 and 2011 seasons—has already proven he’s smart and versatile enough to handle the responsibilities that come with being McCarron’s battery mate.  

Depth may be a concern if injuries occur, but that’s likely the case for most teams across the nation.  

Assuming that Steen and Kouandjio stay healthy, there’s no reason to think that Nussmeier’s offense will not pick up where McCarron and company left off two months ago in New Orleans.  

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