Typically, I go to the Wide Outs, but given the roster is not final there, we pass and go on to the OL til Sept 1st......
Last Year
A year after dominating line after line, week after week, the return to the norm was not expected, but should have been. A lot of the blame fell on the QB because he is the visible target, but probably the most disappointing part of Bama's team was the OL. With 2 new starters, a rehabbed Center, and 2 returning starters not at Center, the expectations were higher than what should have been expected. While the running game averaged 5 yards a carry, there were a lot of games where the OL was not assertive. They also were not a very solid pass blocking core. McElroy took a lot of hits, some were his fault, but most weren't, and it derailed the flow of the offense way too often. For this unit to find dominance again, they have to find 5 guys that can be the run grade blockers that they can be.
At TE, it was a better year than normal for them. Michael Williams
(We take a moment here at the GBU to put this political disclaimer. RLB is a M Dub homer and is unapologetic about it. You can root for Will Lowery or Thomas Darrah, he will root for a guy who plays every down.)
had another solid blocking year as the lead blocking TE. Preston Dial was the H Back and the primary TE target in the passing game. He provided lead blocking from a fullback-esque manner, but was a nice safety valve for the QB. Smelley had the H Back role, wiffed his first block again and lost it again. The downside to the TE position was two part. Part one- they couldn't get more touches because they had to compensate for flaws in the OL too much. Part two- they couldn't build depth and haven't built any experienced depth there.
This Year
Who is Back?
John Michael Boswell- JMB is running and staying 2nd string. Much like McCullough, he's ok at a lot of spots, but not a starter anywhere. If he could snap the ball, I would let him work 2nd string at Center because one rollover Vlachos's knee, someone has to step up. As is, he's Steen's backup.
DJ Fluker- Fluker is a big and very solid RT. He was a lot like Jones was in 2009 in that you could see him grow as the season went on. That was evidenced by his abililty to take on Nick Fairley and beat him to the point, Auburn moved him away from DJ. Fluker is a great run blocking tackle who is at his best when he can go downhill. He is average as a pass blocker, but has a chance to continue growing there. His footwork is sporadic and to be a tackle you have to be steady with your step and form. I do think that they can pull TEs off of his side a little more and use them elsewhere. His ability to lock down the RT had a lot to do with the experiment of Jones at LT because Steen can be shadowed by DJ to the point that even the step down from Jones can be compensated from big guy's ability.
Barrett Jones- Jones is now the veteran and the best lineman they have. He probably was last year too. He played guard for 2 years, but has pulled a Carpenter and is the best LT they have at this time. It may not be popular with the recruitniks who want Cyrus Kouandijo there, but Jones is the best blind side blocker they have because he has experience, good footwork, and can get around fast enough to snare rush ends. Is he a LT in the NFL? Probably not, but he can be the LT of a championship team. The other secret out there, well it really isn't but kinda is, he's also the number 2 center if Vlachos gets hurt for the year. That really is a reflection of his ability and how morbidly bad a job has been done in developing centers.
Arie Kouandijo- AK47 had a good start to his career, but a lot like JMB, he seems to have peaked early. The good news is that he can change that, but the bouncing around from guard to tackle and back and forth has indicated that he is good but not good enough to start at any one spot. He is a good run blocker but the doghouse issue is more about his pass blocking. He has fallen to 3rd string at RT and they have tried him around some other spots, but the injury this summer has probably locked him down to 3RT. For Arie, it is more or less just a "when you want it" moment. When he does, he will push a lot of folks, perhaps even his brother, but he has to first.
Chad Lindsay- While I think he has the ability to be a good center, he's gotta make that transition from high school to college. The more I have watched his A Day game, the thing that made him stand out was he wasn't as bad as the other efforts at center, but his performance wasn't great either. Lindsay really needs to get used to the size and speed part of this level. I think he can get there but I don't like the thought of him having to start or play often unless it is in a blowout. He has a lot of technique issues that can be overlooked when the action gets away from his area, but when you focus, it is there. He needs to stay low, get his hands in faster and drive with his legs more and less with his arms. All fixable and all signs of a guy who didn't see as many bigguns back home.
Tyler Love- I could say I told you so, but I won't. He graduates eventually.
Alfred McCullough- I still say if Alfred were 3 inches higher, he'd be starting at tackle. AMC is probably my favorite lineman because he has done it all and has never complained about it. He just puts in the work and continues to find ways on the field. He is the number 6 lineman, and can play both guard and tackle positions. If Steen flounders, he will plug in at RG quickly.
Austin Shepherd- I thought Austin would compete in 2 or 3 years, but he's already winning the staff over. I don't know if he can start or outplay the starters, but I didn't think he'd be here, so what do I know? Shepherd is a big guy and is really quick off the snap. If Bama was a pass first offense, he'd be the starting RT or LT. That is his strength and he works real hard to stay in front of the defender. That was the impressive thing re-watching A Day was that he really glides out and doesn't get off balanced. He isn't the greatest run blocker alive, but with more work he should be able to tie that issue up. As is, he won't see a ton of time, but he should be the number 2 all year.
Anthony Steen- Steen has won over the new position coach with his work ethic and power. He probably fits in better with Stoutland's teachings more than Pendry's. Steen as a run blocker is a terror for defensive linemen and middle linebackers because if he gets his hands on you, he will beat you. As a pass blocker, he's improving, but he still plays stiff and slow. Steen has to grow in that area for Bama's offense to really be good. While he has Fluker to his right and Vlachos to his left to help compensate for things, there will be defenses that force him to step up. (Arkansas) I look for Bama to really focus on running the ball and that will help play to his strengths and I have always felt if your ran the ball well early, the OL gets confidence and pass blocks better.
William Vlachos- Nacho got off on the wrong foot last year with the injury and I don't know if he was in shape to start the year. It is always hard to get back in shape once the season starts because everyone is dinged by October. This year, he is healthy and we should see more of the 09 version of Vlachos. Vlachos is probably the key piece to Bama's success because there is 0 behind him right now that is ready to go anyways. His health and ability to lead the line will be crucial to their success and I think he will make a big difference from last season. Vlachos is a great run blocking center, and ok at the pass block. He has lapses in the snap control area but he hasn't dug turf as much over the last few games of 2010. He is very strong and really doesn't have to get help from either guard because he is so powerful off the snap. His issue comes when the assignment is just to fast for him and he can't get his hands on them in time. Look for him to be asked to shore up with Steen on passing situations and give better control of the middle of the pocket for the young QBs.
Chance Warmack- For all the hype about him and his rise to the starting lineup, he really struggled last year. There were good games for him, but there were some games he'd like back too. Warmack and Steen are a lot a like because they are strong but a little stiff and a little on the slow side. Warmack was supposed to be the pulling guard to replace Johnson, but he lacks the speed to jump off the snap and get in position to run the counter. Last season's running woes were partially because they could not run the counter to the right very often. In 09, they lived on that play and abused teams, but when you can't pull a guard or center, you will get exposed for it. Warmack is going to be pushed all season by a host of players- McCullough, Boswell, Arie K to name a few- to perform because he's the endangered species of the 5. They need him to lock down the spot and play it as well as Jones and Johnson did. If he can, then Bama is in great shape, if he can't, it may make for some nail biting afternoons.
Kellen Williams- I wish I could say this A Day was as good as the first one for him, but it wasn't. He is a guard playing center and plays like it. They lack depth at center and he's in the hunt because of that. I look for him to be 3C but moved back to Guard as soon as someone else shows they can handle it.
Brad Smelley- Smelley has not helped the Obama Stimulus losing his job twice. All kidding aside, this really is a big season for Smelley not just because it is his last, but because he really needs to show he is a player. As a receiving threat, he is as good an option as they have at HBack, but his blocking last year was just poor. He gets another shot to keep the job, and if he can hold it and block from it, then he is a really unsung weapon for this offense. They really need him to block and rub off the linebacker and open up in the flat to give the QB an nice checkdown target.
Chris Underwood- Underwood has found the field from time to time as the 3rd TE in the jumbo package....sorry the goal line offense....but has never shown that he could be a weapon in the offense. This is his last shot at playing too, but unlike Smelley, I don't think he'll find the field much. He lacks the size and power to be a TE and I don't know that he's ever shown the hands to be the HBack.
Brian Vogler- Vogler is best known up to now for getting p'wned by a DB at A-Day. Folks will know him better as the year goes on. Vogler is a big target and will replace Williams after graduation as the TE/run blocker for the Tide offense. This year, he probably will see more PT in spots but will be more of a mop up guy. I don't see him as the HBack because he's not natural in motion like they need to be. He is better coming off his hand and playing through. He loves to drive with his legs and move the pile a lot. If Bama has issues with the tackles, it won't surprise me if he and Williams don't see the field at the same time to shore up the edges.
Michael Williams- Williams has taken this offseason to find his hands. He is not going to be an issue blocking, he's a 6th lineman up front. He doesn't have bad hands, but he has never been allowed to get to a point where he can run more routes. He isn't going to just burn the field up or anything but he can get in the flat and move a few linebackers/safeties to the 1st down marker. I look for them to try and find ways to get him involved, but a lot of that will depend on how the 5 guys to his left do.
Who is Gone?
James Carpenter- I wish the guy I saw at the Senior Bowl had shown up the last 2 years. Carpenter was a guard playing tackle and he did the best he could, but it was rough some weeks to watch him struggle.
Brian Motley- Yep.
David Ross- Gonna wish he could have found a way on the roster this year just for insurance....
Preston Dial- Preston really was a surprise last year as far as how many looks he generated last year. He displayed a lot of ability to go from a pure blocker to a fully operation HBack. The team has a lot of guys who will step up and fill in his role, but I don't think they have one that is as well rounded and worked as hard as he does.
Aaron Douglas- Sadly, the demons that ran Douglas from UT caught up to him. The team had high hopes for him, but now a cabbie sits in a jail awaiting trial for Aaron's death.
Who is New?
Ryan Kelly- Kelly is a guy that the staff has high hopes on because he is a true center. Injuries have been an issue his last 2 seasons (HS and this summer) and he has to get to a point where they can practice him every day. He is a solid redshirt this fall.
Isaac Luatua- He too will redshirt, or should at least, and they will experiment with him at all 3 inside spots, but he is an ideal LG. Not too tall, but strong, mobile, and likes contact. All things, that will make me happy if he can translate to the college game.
Malcom Faciane- Williams 2.0 will probably get a little PT because they need depth for 2012, but I like how the guy plays and I think most fans will too when next year comes around.
Chris Jones- Jones has been a surprise this summer. He has been used in a variety of roles, but HBack seems to be his future for now. He has good hands and is athletic. He probably won't redshirt because his ability to play DB and size will probably earn him a role on special teams and blowout duty.
Harrison Jones- Harrison is going to push Smelley to perform. He won't get a lot of press and publicity, but that typically isn't a bad thing. I think you will see him in some variety each game whether at TE or HBack as they try to get him ready with Vogler and Faciane for next season. Jones has good hands for his size and is a good target because he squares up and shows his numbers to the QB. I like what I see of him and think we will see him a good bit, especially if Smelley wiffs a time or two this fall.
Cyrus Kouandijo- Never heard of this guy, don't know why they gave him a scholarship....just kidding. Cyrus has a lot of upside, and much like DJ, I stress patience from the recruitniks. The same principles apply to him that did to DJ. He's a little raw as a LT. He never played it in high school. I know some love to point to the all star game against Clowney, but he didn't exactly dominate that one, and I think that just being 2LT is great, but folks need to calm down about his future. I read too many fans posts speculating his future greatness when he has yet to play in front of a d-1 team. I do not think he redshirts, but I cannot see him beating out Barrett Jones nor do I think they want him to start just yet. I think they want to break him in slowly and use each outing to teach him how to play as opposed to throwing him out there and wishing for the best.
THE GOOD....
Experience is good
All 5 projected starters have starts under their belt. That always gives fans a good feeling. I think this season will be a back to basics season and with the experience, that will only set the bar higher and ask this OL unit to step up more. I like the Jones to LT move because he is one of the faster linemen they have. I think this 5 that is expected to start gives Bama a top 3 run blocking OL (Wisconsin and Nebraska always are my defacto best in the preseason because of track record).
New voice and new ideas are welcomed
I get a lot of complaints about my dislike of Pendry's style, but if you didn't get it after last year's debacle, I can't help you understand it. Stoutland is well respected, minus the U issue, and has produced a lot of great linemen over the years. He is more of the fundamentals coach where each guy puts a helmet on a guy than the zone blocking scheme that Pendry was. Stoutland should get through to a lot of these guys that we have all heard so much about in recruiting and if he can't get through to them, well, UAB is that way....
Depth continues to improve except at one spot....
Both guard and tackle spots have really improved to the point that for the most part you can plug and play these guys and not need a Depends change at half. That isn't to say if DJ Fluker got hurt, they wouldn't fall a notch or two, but with guys like Alfred and Austin and new guys like Cyrus in the mix, the fear of loss is not as much as it used to be.
TE depth also growing
They do have some graduation attrition after this year but Vogler, the 2 Joneses and Malcom in the middle of it all leaves them with a lot of talent at a position 3 years ago was pretty void of it.
THE BAD.....
While they all run block well, can they improve pass protection???
Let's be honest, they let McElroy get killed too much last year. The OL has to show that it can pass protect because they will have to throw some to win this fall. Outside of Jones, none of the others have great reps for being pass blockers. They as a whole have done ok outside of the SEC but in the SEC they have had some less than great moments. If Bama continues to have moments where they lose containment or miss assignments, it could equate to a lot of tense moments that didn't have to be such.
If they can't protect, the TEs can't contribute more
Every year we all sit and wish that Bama would use the TE more in passing situations. If Bama is still having issues protecting, they won't be able to put the TE into play again. While I hope it is just me being pessimistic, or realistic, I think this is going to be a reality yet again that the TE and HBack will have to shore up issues in the pass protection and effectively reduce options by one or 2 each passing down.
THE UGLY...
Backup Center Fail....epic
Now, before some of you get your tits twisted and want to fire off an epitat about how I don't know shit, let's be honest, can you say- with a straight face- that you are ok with Williams or Lindsay running the line? How a national program can be so weak at center, the most important position on the OL, is a mystery to me. If Vlachos gets hurt, it will more than likely throw things into a toss up as far as what they run with from there. If Jones goes to Center, can they play well enough to keep Steen or Warmack at guard? If not, what do you do there? If he does move there, can Cyrus or McCullough handle the rest of the year? Sure we can speculate, but I don't care to see that lineup against LSU or Florida.
The Bottom Line...
The bottom line is that this group will need to step it up from where they were last year if Bama wants to contend for the BCS. They need to gel quickly and stay healthy because a lot of rotation or mixing and experimenting in it will not be good as the season goes on. They need to be the physical and dominating force that they once were and can be again. If they can win the LOS battle and be able to supply Trent and Eddie with plenty of running room, things will be good for the Tide. If they have to pass block a lot and try to play catch up, they are still not a great OL, good but not a championship level team in that regard. So, the bottom line is that they need to take control and take the air out of the ball by winning up front and get downhill on opposing defensive lines.
At TE, I think they have the best group in the SEC. They are deep, versatile, and talented. However, their success is related to the OL's in that for them to contribute on the box score, they need the OL to play up to expectations. I really think if they can utilize Smelley and Williams into the passing game some, it will help the young QBs establish confidence because both can catch well.
Depth Chart
LT- Barrett Jones / CyKo or McCullough
LG- Warmack / McCullough / JMB
C- Vlachos / Jones / Williams or Lindsay
RG- Steen / JMB / Jones
RT- DJ Fluker / Shepherd / Arie K
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