Is there a candidate for offensive tackle for Alabama Football?

As the Alabama Crimson Tide enters the 2024 college football season, one of the most important positions on the field that will demand close attention is the offensive tackle position. A cornerstone of Alabama’s historically dominant football programs has been their ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. With the 2024 season fast approaching, the Crimson Tide is looking to solidify their offensive line, and a key focus will be the offensive tackle positions.

In this article, we will break down the candidates for the offensive tackle spots, evaluate their skills, their development, and the impact they could have on Alabama’s offense. We’ll also take a closer look at the overall importance of offensive tackle play in Alabama’s offensive system and what the coaching staff may be looking for in these positions. Whether it’s finding players to protect a young quarterback, pave the way for talented running backs, or give Alabama’s offense an edge against SEC competition, the right tackles will be integral to the Tide’s success.

1. The Importance of Offensive Tackles in Alabama’s Offensive Scheme

Before diving into the candidates, it’s important to understand why offensive tackles are so crucial to Alabama’s offensive success. Alabama’s offense has traditionally leaned on a power-running attack, balanced with an aggressive passing game. Whether it’s establishing dominance in the trenches for an elite running back like Jase McClellan or providing a pocket for a mobile quarterback like Jalen Milroe, offensive tackles are essential to Alabama’s offensive line success.

Alabama’s offensive line is built around creating push in the running game, and offensive tackles are expected to handle defenders on the edge with both strength and agility. The tackles must be able to create space for running backs while also providing pass protection, particularly against the relentless edge rushers in the SEC.

With the departure of key players in the 2023 draft class, the tackle positions in 2024 are being reshuffled, and the Tide is looking for players who can step into these critical roles.

2. J.C. Latham: The Premier Offensive Tackle

One of the most important candidates for Alabama’s offensive tackle positions is J.C. Latham. Heading into the 2024 season, Latham is a name that has been on the radar of NFL scouts and college football analysts alike. A 6-foot-6, 335-pound behemoth, Latham has the ideal size and physical attributes to be a dominant force at tackle.

Latham has already established himself as a key figure on Alabama’s offensive line. He stepped into a starting role in 2022 and has continued to build on that success. His performance in 2023 showed flashes of elite potential, and he’s quickly becoming one of the top tackles in college football.

Latham is known for his raw power and ability to control defenders in the run game. His strength allows him to overpower defensive ends, which makes him an asset when it comes to Alabama’s physical running attack. He has the capability to drive defenders off the ball in the running game, opening lanes for Alabama’s running backs.

However, what truly sets Latham apart is his athleticism for a player of his size. His lateral quickness and ability to mirror pass rushers make him a complete offensive tackle. He has displayed solid pass protection skills, especially in critical moments when Alabama needs to give its quarterbacks time to read the field and make decisions. His combination of size, power, and agility make him a clear candidate for one of the tackle positions.

As one of the most highly regarded offensive linemen in the country, Latham is widely expected to be the anchor of Alabama’s offensive line in 2024. If he continues to develop and refine his skills, it’s possible he could declare for the NFL draft in the coming years, which means this season could be crucial for him in terms of boosting his draft stock.

3. Tyler Booker: Versatile and Explosive Talent

Another key player in the offensive tackle discussion for Alabama is Tyler Booker. While Booker is primarily known for his work at guard, he has the versatility and the skill set to be a candidate for an offensive tackle position, particularly at left tackle, a spot of importance for Alabama’s blindside protection.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 320 pounds, Booker has the right combination of size and mobility that is ideal for the tackle position. His experience at guard means that he has the interior line knowledge that could allow him to excel in pass protection, especially when facing powerful edge rushers. Booker’s quickness off the snap and ability to drive defenders off the ball in the running game will allow him to contribute to both the pass-blocking and run-blocking schemes.

Booker’s potential to shift to tackle lies in his explosive power and athleticism. His ability to move fluidly laterally, combined with a strong lower body, makes him an intriguing candidate for a tackle role. The coaching staff has been high on Booker’s development, and his versatility could be an asset for Alabama as they look for stability on the offensive line in 2024.

While it’s unclear whether Booker will settle at tackle permanently or remain as a key guard, he is certainly one of the top candidates to fill a starting role at either position, and his experience could give Alabama the ability to shuffle their offensive line effectively if needed.

4. Damieon George Jr.: Physicality and Potential

Another significant candidate for the offensive tackle position in 2024 is Damieon George Jr., a 6-foot-6, 340-pound tackle who has shown promise during his time at Alabama. George, who has been working behind Latham in the previous seasons, now has an opportunity to prove himself as a starter. As a massive, physical presence on the offensive line, George is well-suited for the power running game that is a staple of Alabama football.

While George’s potential is clear, his play in 2023 was somewhat inconsistent, which has left some questions about his ability to be a high-level starter at tackle. That said, George has the tools to become a dominant force on the line. His size and power make him a tough matchup for edge rushers, and he’s shown the ability to use his physicality to dominate in both the run and pass games. If George can refine his technique and become more consistent with his footwork and hand placement, he could emerge as a key contributor in 2024.

His ability to use his strength and size to overpower defenders is crucial for Alabama’s offensive game plan, and as he matures in his technique, George could become one of the more dominant offensive tackles in the SEC.

5. Other Candidates: Freshmen and Redshirt Sophomores

In addition to the established candidates like Latham, Booker, and George, Alabama is also looking to its younger players for contributions at the offensive tackle positions. Freshman Wilkin Formby is an early candidate to keep an eye on. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing around 310 pounds, Formby has the size and athleticism to become a major factor in the future of Alabama’s offensive line.

Formby has garnered attention as a promising talent, and although he may not start right away in 2024, his potential to develop into a key player in the coming seasons makes him one to watch. Alabama’s coaching staff is known for developing offensive linemen, and Formby could be another example of how the program continues to grow young talent.

Additionally, Tyler Santucci is a redshirt sophomore who is gaining attention for his raw potential and physical attributes. He has a similar frame to Latham and George and could be a strong candidate to provide depth at the offensive tackle position.

6. Alabama’s Offensive Line Coach and Development

One of the most crucial aspects of Alabama’s offensive tackle situation in 2024 is the role of their offensive line coach. Eric Wolford, who joined Alabama’s coaching staff in 2023, is tasked with developing the talent on the offensive line. His coaching philosophy focuses on building a unit that is tough, disciplined, and versatile. Wolford’s ability to mold players like Latham, Booker, George, and others will be instrumental in the success of Alabama’s offensive line.

Wolford has a track record of success in developing offensive linemen, and his work will be critical in preparing the young players for SEC competition. Under his guidance, the offensive tackles at Alabama are expected to become more technically sound, improving their pass protection, blocking schemes, and overall coordination.