Battling for Position at Alabama: Left Tackle

This is the first in a series of “Position Battles” of University of Alabama players.

We all saw what an Alabama team looked like in the Sugar Bowl without Andre Smith anchoring his left tackle position.  When we lost a first string guard early in the game, we got a good look at what horrors could befall us without depth at those key positions. 

So after a few good practices what have we learned?  A Day will answer more than a few questions but in talking with the coaches, that nationally televised intra-squad game will not settle this battle.

“We are looking at different people right now and what they bring to the table.” said Nick Saban.  “This is a battle that could continue to be fought well into the season.”

That’s a statement most coaches wouldn’t make as most would want a cohesive group by the season opener.  So what exactly does Saban mean by that statement?

Writers don’t have much luck in reading Saban’s mind and he certainly doesn’t want anyone putting words in his mouth or reading too much into statements he makes.  But in going over what he said in front of me and combining it with other statements he’s made, I think I can make a feeble attempt in translating what’s going on at left tackle.

First you have to understand Saban’s definition of a left tackle.  Unlike a guard, a left tackle has to be tall with muscle, have long arms be quick in the initial burst and nimble on his feet.

For the first time in Nick’s tenure at the Capstone he has several bodies that fit that mold.

When Andre Smith left a year early, as most thought he would, Nick’s goal was to get a replacement in place who could contribute immediately.  So he went to the Jr. College ranks and pulled in an offensive line veteran in James Carpenter.  He has most of the prototypical size and frame that Saban was looking for but could he fill the need?

So contender No. 1 is James Carpenter, 6-5, 305 pounds of blocking fury.

Most felt with incoming freshman sensation D.J. Fluker coming in, that the battle would come down to Carpenter and Fluker, but knowing Nick Saban, you earn the position with work.  Others have far too much time in for Fluker to come in right away and start the first game.

Fluker would have to absolutely be Superman to dislodge whoever comes out of A Day ahead.

So who is in the heat of the battle right now?

The surprise contender now is red shirt Sophomore Alfred McCullough.  If you’re just a casual fan, you may not know why it’s such a surprise.  Alfred started on the other side of the ball. 

Moving from defense to offense and playing both guard and tackle; McCullough works mostly with the second team in practice, but has shown he can handle his own with the first team offense too.

It’s even a surprise to Alfred, who said, “If you had told me two years ago when I signed that I’d be battling for the left tackle position on offense, I wouldn’t have believed you.”

Coach Joe Pendry, who is the offensive line coach at Alabama, says McCullough has the ability to play different positions and play them well.  That is an attribute he tries to instill in all his linemen. 

“Obviously some players can do this and some struggle with change,” said Pendry, “But Alfred is one of those who can do it.”

So contender No. 2 is 6-2, 295 pounds of versatility Alfred McCullough.

But before you can think it’s only a two man race, enter Tyler Love who Pendry and Saban have also given a look at the position. 

He was a five star prospect and one of the top linemen in the nation when signed by Alabama (rated the No. 5 by the Elite 18 and six by Scout.com).  So far he has shown the ability to be a devastating run blocker. 

If he can pick up his pass blocking you could easily throw him in the mix for a top spot.  He has the physical attributes to dominate most defensive linemen and may just need the reps to be a top contender.

So contender No. 3 is Tyler Love, 6-7, 292 pounds with his 26 inch vertical leap and quick feet.

And the wild card contender is D.J. Fluker mentioned earlier.  Can he come in and contend right away, or will he be slowly integrated as sub and let the potential superstar learn at a relaxed pace.

At 6-7 and a massive 351 pounds he may just be a wild card too good not to play.

And the best news for Tide fans is that Pendry and Saban have other options open to them should they need them.  The Crimson Tide offensive line hasn’t had this much quality depth in a long time. 

Seeing who comes out on top may be as entertaining a contest as the games themselves, but it’s a contest where Alabama wins no matter the end results.