Alabama Football: Barrett Jones To Return, Bound To Play Center

Barrett Jones has finally made his decision and he will still be wearing a crimson jersey in 2012.  Some may find his return questionable, but the position he will play is anything but a mystery.  

As confirmed by TideSports.com, Jones is returning and position changes were discussed.

Jones has played all over the line this year.  Sometimes he even lined up over on the right side of the line. He lined up just about wherever they wanted to run the ball.  He even lined up at center to give William Vlachos a breather.

And center is where he will play next year, of that there should be no doubt.

The line has a wealth of experience all over and only William Vlachos, the incumbent center, is leaving.

At left tackle there is Cyrus Kouandjio, who is more than prepared to take the job.  He is a former 5-star recruit and could have started this year.  He was Jones' backup at left tackle until he injured his knee against Tennessee.

Right tackle will remain D.J. Fluker's position.  He'll be a third-year starter and a redshirt junior.  His footwork isn't quite up to par for playing left tackle in the SEC, but he's a fantastic run-blocker from the tackle position.

Chance Warmack will be a third-year starter at left guard and a senior.  His improvement from 2010 to 2011 was night and day, in both pass protection as well as run blocking.

The right guard position will lose senior Alfred McCullough, who won the starting position over sophomore Anthony Steen late in the season.  

Steen had his ups and downs this year, but he is a monster when he's up.  He will likely win the position next year.  He's had solid playing time in 2010 and 2011, and it doesn't seem that Jones is needed at right guard.

That leaves the center position with no clear-cut heir.  Chad Lindsay, a redshirt freshman, and sophomore Kellen Williams appeared to be the primary candidates.  I liked Lindsay's potential, but he wouldn't perform nearly as well as Vlachos has recently.  It would take another year or two of experience.

Center seems to be the de facto choice for where the coaches will put Jones.  If he plays as well at center as he has everywhere else, he could make himself one of the most sought-after offensive linemen in recent NFL history.