Crimson Red Sports

TUSCALOOSA -- D.J. Fluker's smile is as impressive as his work at right offensive tackle for Alabama.

When the redshirt sophomore speaks, every sentence ends with a grin and a flash of teeth. Something tells you that smile is probably the same thing defensive opponents see right before one of his pancake blocks.

Even on an afternoon where he was required to wear a protective boot on his right foot after practice, Fluker seemed genuinely happy with his place at Alabama.

"D.J. last year, he was more focused on trying to learn, trying to get things going," Fluker said. "This year, D.J.'s more laid back, watching film, trying to figure out what the defense's motives are right now. That's what he's doing. Now, since he's in his second year, he's learning a whole lot quicker."

Consider all the talk about his size, which was still on the table last week.

Fluker is listed as Alabama's largest offensive lineman, when you consider the entire package, at 6-foot-6, 335 pounds. Offensive left tackle Aaron Douglas (6-7, 275) and tackle Tyler Love (6-6, 307) are also impressive specimens of sheer size.