Alabama football is just three practices into preseason camp. That’s been enough time for offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic to spot an issue he’d like to correct before the 2024 season begins.
I would say there’s just a lack of consistency,” Kapilovic told reporters Saturday after practice. “There’s some things that really stand out thare are good. But then, and that’s really been the battle through years of coaching O-line is, a great O-line is a consistent O-line. So that’s the thing, whether we’re fighting the elements, ourselves or the D, it’s about being consistent
It’s not that Alabama is behind many other teams in that area. It’s early in camp and UA still has most of a month to work out the kinks before facing Western Kentucky in Tuscaloosa on Aug. 31.
The Tide is also still working on installing totally new systems. Kapilovic and company were hard at work during spring ball putting in the fresh offensive sceme preferred by new head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, but there’s certainly still progress to make.
Offensive guard Tyler Booker, one of Alabama’s leaders up front, said the consistency would come as the season draws nearer.
It’s just something that takes time,” Booker said. “There’s a lot of young guys on the offensive line. So the more that we get into pracitces, the more that we practice, the more that they go through this fall comap, some their first, second fall camp, the better they’ll be able to adapt.
Alabama will have new faces in several spots on the offensive line. At center, Parker Brailsford is seemingly leading the way after transferring in from Washington and missing spring ball due to personal issues.
Kadyn Proctor is back from a brief dallience with Iowa at one of the tackle spots. Elijah Pritchett and Wilkin Formby both have earned praise from the Crimson Tide’s coaches at the other.
Jaeden Roberts returns at guard opposite Booker. There’s other new faces in the room as well, including Michigan State transfer Geno VanDeMark.
According to Kapilovic, Alabama’s seach for consistency isn’t unique to Tuscaloosa.
Every O-line coach if you ask them , that’s the thing that you’re trying to build, the chemistry with each other,” Kapilovic said. “But you’re also rotating guys so they gotta get used to working with each other. And for the big guys, you’re out here in the heat and you’re battling. The mental toughness and everything that comes with it.”
