Second-Year OL “Ahead of Schedule” as Left Guard Competition Continues

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama is currently in the midst of a competition at left guard between third-year lineman William Sanders and second-year lineman Mal Waldrep Jr. Waldrep, a Seale, Alabama, native, got a majority of the reps in spring practice as Sanders missed spring with a back injury. With both fully healthy in fall, Alabama can evaluate its left guard position to the fullest before the season opener on September 5.

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Cohesiveness is a point of emphasis for the Crimson Tide this fall, and with four new starters on the offensive line, it will be difficult for the Tide to build that quickly before the first game of the season, but offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is optimistic about the direction of this year's offensive line.

"We’re getting there. Racin [Delgatty], I thought he had a little bit of a down day in the command department. I think it starts there with how he communicates," Grubb told reporters on Monday. "Mal Waldrep has been a guy that’s been a good echo player. You’re hearing the calls come back from Mal. He’s really helped. I think you’re looking at some of the glue guys. Michael Carroll’s getting a lot more vocal, which has been really good to see. So I think when the voice comes from the inside out to those guys, the lines of communication are a lot cleaner, and the gel will happen a lot quicker when you get that voice from inside out.”

The emergence of Waldrep isn't a surprise to the Crimson Tide, according to Grubb.

"He’s always had just this steadfast, kind of stoic, like I’m going to be able to get this done. He might be a little potentially ahead of schedule for what maybe some people thought. But we always knew he was tough, smart, and dependable, and that’s really what has shown up is a physical football player.”

Alabama will return to the practice field on Tuesday, August 11. The Crimson Tide's first scrimmage will be this Thursday, August 13. The first game of the season is scheduled for Saturday, September 5 against East Carolina.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.