How Wilkin Formby become a’veteran’ right tackle during the Alabama football offseason

As the Alabama Crimson Tide football program prepares for another challenging season, one of the most crucial positions to keep an eye on is the offensive line. Known for producing some of the best linemen in college football, Alabama has been a factory for top-tier talent at almost every position, including right tackle. This offseason, as players work to improve their skills and define their roles for the upcoming season, Wilkin Formby has emerged as a candidate to become a “veteran” right tackle for the Crimson Tide. Despite being relatively new to the starting lineup, his progression, both in terms of technical ability and leadership, has positioned him to take on a prominent role in Alabama’s offensive scheme.

The Importance of the Right Tackle Position at Alabama

Before diving into Formby’s journey to becoming a veteran right tackle, it’s important to first understand the significance of the right tackle position in Alabama’s football program. Under the guidance of head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has built its identity on a powerful and physical style of football, particularly in the trenches. The offensive line is the heart of Alabama’s offense, tasked with protecting the quarterback, creating running lanes for the running back, and establishing dominance at the line of scrimmage. The right tackle is responsible for providing key protection for the quarterback’s blindside (if the quarterback is a left-handed passer) and being a pivotal player in both the passing and running games.

Given the importance of the position, it’s no surprise that players at right tackle are expected to possess a unique combination of size, strength, agility, and technical ability. They must be adept at both run blocking and pass protection, working in harmony with the rest of the offensive line to create cohesion on the field. Over the years, Alabama has produced standout right tackles, including future NFL players like Tytus Howard and Jonah Williams. In recent seasons, the right tackle position has seen some turnover, with young players being called upon to step into high-profile roles. Wilkin Formby’s development as a potential starter at right tackle is a story of growth, resilience, and leadership.

Wilkin Formby’s Early Years at Alabama

Wilkin Formby’s journey to becoming a potential veteran right tackle began long before the 2025 offseason. A highly touted recruit from the 2023 class, Formby came to Alabama with significant expectations. Standing at 6’7” and weighing in at around 330 pounds, Formby possessed the ideal physical frame to play at the highest level of college football. However, as with most freshmen, Formby’s first year in the program was a period of adjustment. The college game is significantly faster and more complex than the high school level, and Formby was tasked with developing his skills while also getting accustomed to Alabama’s rigorous training program.

During his first season, Formby primarily served as a backup to established starters along the offensive line. He spent time learning from veterans, understanding the intricacies of Alabama’s offensive system, and fine-tuning his technique. While not yet a starter, Formby’s work ethic and potential were recognized by the coaching staff, who saw the raw talent and size that could make him a fixture on the Crimson Tide’s offensive line for years to come. In 2024, Formby got his first real taste of meaningful playing time, contributing to the rotation and gaining valuable experience in live game situations.

The 2025 Offseason: Transitioning to a Starting Role

The 2025 offseason marked a crucial turning point for Wilkin Formby. As Alabama prepared for the new season, the offensive line underwent some significant changes, including the departure of key players to the NFL and graduation. This opened the door for younger players like Formby to step into starting roles, and it quickly became apparent that he was ready to seize the opportunity.

Throughout the offseason, Formby put in the work to refine his technique and become a more complete player. His ability to dominate in the run game was already a strength, but his pass protection needed refinement, particularly in handling speed rushers and adjusting to defensive line stunts. Under the guidance of Alabama’s offensive line coach, Formby worked tirelessly on his footwork, hand placement, and overall balance. His focus was on becoming more consistent with his technique, ensuring that he could handle any challenge that came his way on the field.

In addition to improving his technical skills, Formby also began to embrace the mental side of the game. Playing as a right tackle at Alabama means not only being physically dominant but also mentally sharp. A great tackle must be able to read the defensive front, identify blitzes or stunts, and adjust on the fly. Formby worked on his ability to process information quickly and make adjustments during live reps in practice. His football IQ improved significantly over the offseason, and this maturity helped him stand out as a player ready to take on a leadership role.

Becoming a Leader: Wilkin Formby’s Development as a “Veteran”

One of the most impressive aspects of Formby’s offseason growth was his development as a leader on the field and in the locker room. While he was still a relatively young player in terms of experience, Formby’s maturity and presence began to shine through. At Alabama, leadership is not simply a matter of being the most experienced player—it’s about setting an example for others and taking ownership of your responsibilities.

Formby, who had spent his first two years learning from older players, began to take on a mentoring role during the offseason. He worked closely with fellow offensive linemen, helping them improve their skills and encouraging them to maintain a high standard of performance. His leadership extended beyond just his position group; Formby’s positive attitude and competitive spirit made him a vocal presence on the team as a whole. Whether it was motivating his teammates during drills or offering advice on how to handle specific defensive matchups, Formby became someone his teammates could rely on for both support and guidance.

Part of becoming a “veteran” is developing the confidence to lead by example, and Formby showed this in abundance. He consistently led by his actions, whether it was in the weight room, on the practice field, or during team meetings. His work ethic and commitment to improvement inspired others to follow suit, setting a tone for the entire offensive line. Formby’s development as a leader was evident in how the team responded to him—teammates began to look to him for leadership, especially as the season approached.

The Physical and Mental Toll of the Position

The right tackle position at Alabama is one that demands both physical and mental fortitude. During the offseason, Formby had to prepare himself not only for the physical challenges but also the mental demands of being a starting player. This included preparing for the grind of a full season, which can be both physically exhausting and mentally taxing.

The physical side of the game required Formby to maintain his strength, endurance, and mobility. He spent countless hours in the weight room, working on building explosive power in his lower body and improving his ability to handle speed rushers around the edge. His agility drills helped him improve his lateral movement, which is essential for staying in front of quick defensive ends. Maintaining his conditioning was equally important, as the demands of being a starting tackle require a level of stamina to last throughout an entire game and an entire season.

Mentally, Formby’s preparation was equally critical. As a right tackle, he is often tasked with making quick decisions under pressure. He needs to be able to read the defense, identify potential threats, and adjust accordingly. The ability to process information quickly and accurately is a key component of playing at Alabama’s level. Formby’s ability to stay focused and remain composed in high-pressure situations will be a crucial factor in his success as a “veteran” right tackle.

The 2025 Season: A Veteran Presence on the Field

As the 2025 season kicks off, Wilkin Formby enters the year as a key leader on Alabama’s offensive line. While he may not have the same level of experience as some of the upperclassmen, his growth during the offseason has positioned him to be a crucial contributor to the team’s success. His ability to dominate in the run game, improve his pass protection, and provide leadership to his teammates makes him a vital piece of Alabama’s offensive line.

Despite his youth, Formby’s offseason development has prepared him to take on the responsibilities of a starting right tackle and emerge as a leader both on and off the field. As the season progresses, it’s clear that Wilkin Formby has fully embraced his role and is ready to help anchor the offensive line as Alabama looks to compete for another national title.