🏈 On the offensive line Saban mentions competition at two positions, center and right tackle.

[18Champs]

We know Randolph has an injury. Does anyone know to what extent?

I'd pretty well penciled in Chris Owens at center. Where's the competition coming from and why considering he started last season?

 

[TerryP]

We know Randolph has an injury. Does anyone know to what extent?

High ankle sprain but is getting better a little more quickly than first thought.

I'd pretty well penciled in Chris Owens at center. Where's the competition coming from and why considering he started last season?

He's been having some problems in shotgun. Is that the extent of him getting pushed? I don't know, but am hestitant to think Dalcourt is as physically ready as Chris. I know Chris is a lot better at recognition.

 

[NickelDoubleDog]

Owens catches a lot of flack on boards I've read.

Just remember, he started in both playoff games vs. ND and Ohio State. The line did not struggle with him in there. He did not get pushed around by tOSU's elite DTs.

 

[Tidestalker]

High ankle sprain but is getting better a little more quickly than first thought.

He's been having some problems in shotgun. Is that the extent of him getting pushed? I don't know, but am hestitant to think Dalcourt is as physically ready as Chris. I know Chris is a lot better at recognition.

Who would be the 3rd option at this point? Is there a guard with potential to jump in there, someone who maybe played OC in high school?

I still feel good about Owens and even Dalcourt if needed. And I'm aware Barrett Jones was special mentally, but maybe there's another guy with that potential? (Understanding that could spring another leak while fixing the current one)

 

[BamaFan334]

Who would be the 3rd option at this point? Is there a guard with potential to jump in there, someone who maybe played OC in high school?

I still feel good about Owens and even Dalcourt if needed. And I'm aware Barrett Jones was special mentally, but maybe there's another guy with that potential? (Understanding that could spring another leak while fixing the current one)

James Brockermeyer? I know he was brought in as the #1 Center in the country. Thought I had read where he has had a solid showing since enrolling early.

 

[Tidestalker]

James Brockermeyer? I know he was brought in as the #1 Center in the country. Thought I had read where he has had a solid showing since enrolling early.

Forgot about him! Great call. Size would be the issue I'm assuming... was pretty small coming out of HS

 

[BamaFan334]

Forgot about him! Great call. Size would be the issue I'm assuming... was pretty small coming out of HS

Yeah, he ain't as big as Tommy, but I think 6'3-290?

 

[Justneedme81]

Yall.. . McLaughlin, Seth SO is third behind Dalourt. Brockmeyer is 4th.

 

[TerryP]

Saban on Owens and Dalcourt:

I think we've got to get a lot more consistency at the position. Consistency in snaps, consistency in blocking. We do have competition at the position, there's no doubt about that. Both guys are making progress. Both guys are competing. Both guys have been a little banged up at times, so they haven't had that consistency we'd like to see if they can go out there every day and do what they need to do. It's a work in progress right now. No decision has been made as to where we are on who's going to win that job.

 

[Crimson&WhiteGecko]

I know this position gets overlooked a lot. Outside the QB it is the most important position, so if we are having good competition on the job that's nothing but a positive in my mind. Especially if a starter gets hurt.

 

[BamaFan334]

Yall.. . McLaughlin, Seth SO is third behind Dalourt. Brockmeyer is 4th.

Forgot about our Georgia boy from Buford!

 

[NickelDoubleDog]

OK, after defending Owens, Saban comes out and says there is competition at C.

This could be a message to Owens to get his act together on shotgun snaps. I thought he finished last year really strong.

But if Dalcourt can handle the mental aspect, his talent may win him the job and Owens would then be utility OL/swing guy.

 

[mando]

Owens became a starter last year due to an injury. I am sure part of him being the next man up was his experience but he is has talent or he would not be at Bama. He showed he could play when he came in last year. However, Saban has a performance threshold and it would appear that at time he falls below that.