Breaking Down Alabama's Top OL Commitments

Alabama is building another exceptional recruiting class. With 22 commitments, the top spot in the 247Sports recruiting rankings belongs to the Crimson Tide.

Prospects such as 4-star pass-rusher Christian Miller, 4-star quarterback David Cornwell and 4-star cornerback Kalvaraz Bessent are among the main reasons why the class is so great.

However, the foundation of the group is its crew of offensive linemen. Alabama is a program known for being dominant in the offensive trenches, and it has several incoming blockers who will help keep the tradition alive in Tuscaloosa.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports and ESPNU. 

Montel McBride, OG

Although he is only a 3-star recruit, Montel McBride is a key recruit for Alabama. The Florida native has outstanding size at 6'4" and 329 pounds.

McBride has the strength and power to hold his own in the SEC. He is at his best when he can quickly strike a defensive lineman to get his mitts locked on. McBride slides well when engaged with his targets. Plus, he has good toughness at the point of attack.

He's an adequate athlete for his size, as he works hard when asked to get his hat on linebackers. McBride is not the most fluid blocker in the country, but Alabama's coaches will surely mold him into a solid player. 

Joshua Casher, OC/OG

247Sports

247Sports

Joshua Casher is a 4-star offensive lineman who plays tackle for his high school team in Alabama. Look for him to play inside at Alabama.

Casher, who is 6'1" and 297 pounds, has good athleticism in the trenches. He gets out of his stance quickly at the snap to prevent defensive linemen from jumping on top of him. Casher has the strength to move his targets off their marks to create holes in the running game. Plus, he can anchor in the pocket to protect the passer.

His awareness and intelligence could make him an ideal center prospect, as Casher has the quickness to play the pivot. He will be a starter one day for the Crimson Tide.  

JC Hassenauer, OC

JC Hassenauer is a 4-star prospect who will come to Alabama from his home in Minnesota. At nearly 6'3" and more than 290 pounds, Hassenauer has a nasty and tough persona on the field.

Although he only has average first-step quickness, Hassenauer does a fantastic job of getting his hands inside the bodies of his targets. He gets stronger as the play wears on, evidenced by his ability to steer and dictate the movements of defensive linemen.

Hassenauer does not panic when he has a man over him at center. Plus, he displays good vision and awareness to stop stunts and twists. He will make a name for himself as a center or guard in Tuscaloosa.

Dominick Jackson, OT

247Sports

247Sports

The lone JUCO prospect of the group, Dominick Jackson is a 4-star offensive tackle from California. He has the ability to play left and right tackle for Alabama.

Jackson, who is 6'7" and 304 pounds, could make an immediate impact next season. He has great quickness at the snap to quickly engage with defensive ends. Jackson uses his strength to powerfully punch his targets before sustaining his block through the play.

He also has the agility to dance in space with rushers on the edges. Jackson can drop deep in the pocket before using his athleticism to mirror defenders attempting to get to the quarterback. 

He needs to improve some areas of his technique, but Jackson is a gem.  

Viane Talamaivao, OG

Another one of Alabama's top offensive line commitments is Viane Talamaivao, a 4-star guard from California.

Talamaivao is a run-blocking specialist who is 6'3" and 310 pounds. The Golden State recruit can drive his legs to powerfully move defenders off their marks after getting good placement with his hands.

He flashes good athleticism to protect the passer, as he projects as a strong short-setter inside. Talamaivao has good toughness to fit in well in the SEC.  

Ross Pierschbacher, OG

A former Iowa commit, Ross Pierschbacher is now set to play for the Crimson Tide. The 4-star offensive lineman is one of the quickest players at his position in the country.

At 6'4" and 290 pounds, Pierschbacher has no issues jumping on top of defensive linemen at the snap. He has terrific agility, evidenced by his ability to pull and trap in the trenches. Pierschbacher meets his targets with force, as he displays good strength at the point of attack.

He easily climbs the ladder to get to linebackers, plus he can hit moving targets in space. Pierschbacher can quickly recognize stunts and twists, and he helps other blockers when he's uncovered.

He projects as a swing offensive lineman who will make starts all across the front before he departs 'Bama.  

Cameron Robinson, OT

Cameron Robinson is not only the best offensive lineman in Alabama's class, he's also the best overall player. The 5-star recruit has the talent to play in the NFL one day.

Robinson, a Louisiana native, is a mammoth blocker at 6'5" and 330 pounds. However, do not let his size fool you. This is an athletic prospect who has great movement skills.

Robinson can shoot back out of his stance while using his quick feet to slide and mirror rushers in space. He has quick mitts to punch and stall defenders. Plus, he can stop inside moves by quickly adjusting to get back inside. 

Robinson has the athleticism and explosiveness to execute several types of blocks on running plays. He can seal defensive ends on the edges or he can reach linebackers on the second level. After some seasoning and refinement during training camp, Robinson could be ready to play as a true freshman for the Tide. 

2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map

Use the 2014 Bleacher Report College Football Recruiting Heat Map to locate several of Alabama's top offensive line commitments!

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.