BR - Alabama Spring Preview: Offensive Line

[ssmith general]

With only a week to go before spring practice, I review the offensive line as my sixth and final installment.

 

Losses:

OT James Carpenter graduated

G Brian Motley graduated

C David Ross graduated

 

Additions:

OT Aaron Douglas, Jr College Transfer

No area struggled as badly as the offensive line in 2010.  If you read my articles, you know I rarely heap sharp criticism on individual players; this review will be an exception.

More than any other position group, the offensive line sets the tone for the team and a season. For example, 2008 and 2009 saw the offensive line take it to the other team physically, control the line of scrimmage and dominate the time of possession.

More Here - Bleacher Report

[ricky023]

Wow! What a write-up. I ahve to say this is the best descirption I've seen. I will say last year watching our games he is right. You would notice that LT and Center was allowing stops from the opposing defense. It hurt us. It is time to find out who wants to win the Crystal Egg this year. RTR!

[crtuneman]

Very good article. I agree about Vlachos. His small size really hinders the up-the-middle short yardage game. I think that the reason he is starting is because of his ability to make the OL calls and get everyone where they need to be. He needs to step up this yearand be the leader the OL desperately needs. As for LT, why would Fluker not be considered for LT? I thought he was recruited to be the future there. He has the size and quickness. He seems like a natural for LT.

[ricky023]

I think as for Fluker, CNS really wants him on the right for running plays. RTR!

[crtuneman]

Will Tyler Love ever pan out? I keep waiting for him to crack the starting lineup?

[pmull]

I really like Vlachos and the right side with Jones and Fluker. The left side is our concern. Warmack needs to be more consistant. He should be much better in his second year starting and another year in the system, weight room, etc. The key will be the left tackle. Douglas seems to be the guy but he is under sized IMO. If the left side comes along like most people think they can our line will be very good next year.

The OL play will be a key in helping our new QB get settled in. In 2008 and 2009 we were a run first team and let that set up the passing game. Last year we struggled to run the ball in short yardage situations. That must change. We must be able to depend on the run to get a first down on third and short.

Vlachos is a leader on the line. I think Jones will be the guy to step up and take the role Mike Johnson had in 2009.

[che boludo]

I completely agree with the lack of leadership on the OL comment from the article.  Mike Johnson was a huge loss for us who kept the OL in step.

Pendry's focus was always on developing a dominant run blocking team while at Bama, but he consistently had troubles getting the Ol to shift from run blocking to pass protection effectively (which is a common problem for all OLs).  There were times over the last couple of years that if we weren't in the shotgun or passing out of the bootleg, nothing good was happening. 

I think we will have a much improved line this year as experience, depth and talent are key to OL success.  We have all 3 this year.  With the great defense I expect Bama to have this year coupled with great potential at OL, we are in for a big year.

Vlachos and Jones will be very important for us on offense and are key personnel to keep healthy IMO to have consistent success this year from the OL. Jones and Vlachos need to come back strong and ready to be a leaders on the OL IOT to make all of that talent click. We could have an OL full of 5 stars, but if nobody takes control of them on the field to force them to operate as a single, dominant unit we'll never get back to where we were in terms of physical run blocking.

I disagree with the Vlachos comments that he is too small and close to being benched if he can't handle the speed rushers better this year.  First, how dumb would it be to bench a senior center with two years starting experience?  He is a very smart player and plenty capable of being a productive center as he has shown in the past.  Lots of our problems on the physicality of the OL are related to the issues I mentioned in another thread about our front 7.

In 2008-2009 our front 7 was dominant and pushed our OL to practice and prepare against the best in the country all spring, summer, and fall (during 1s on 1s).  I had read an article from Vlachos in 2009 when speaking of his rise to success in replacement of Caldwell, he said he owed it all to playing against the best D in the country in every practice and going head to head against Cody in particular.  The fact that we didn't have that dominant front 7 to push them last year was no doubt a huge impact to their overall performance (also Vlachos own offseason injury no doubt contributed to his S&C going into last season).  However, he is healthy this year and will no doubt come back ready to play.  Plus, there is a big Aussie who will give the OL all the help they need in preparing against a big physical front.

[SUPERCOACH]

Good insight on the front 7 being part of the problem.

[pmull]

che boludo

Nice post.

[2Stater]

che boludo

Nice post.

Great insight Che. #

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