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Even though he is a fellow Huffman Viking, I don't think I would put Smitty as #1. I'd have Fluker there.
http://alabama.247sports.com/Article/Top-3-OTs-of-Saban-era-revisited-185108
To qualify for consideration as the top quarterback in the Nick Saban era at Alabama, a national championship needs to be a part of a prospective candidate's resume. That isn't the case at offensive tackle, apparently.
Of the seven players considered for this list, only one left UA without a ring. And that player -- Andre Smith -- ranks first among those who have manned the tackle position for the Crimson Tide since 2007.
1.] Andre Smith (2006-2008)
Previous ranking:: 1
Why he's here: Top combination of pass protector and run blocker at his position in the Saban era to date. Started 38 of 40 games during his UA career. Teamed with tight end Travis McCall to pave the way for 2,585 rushing yards during the 2008 season.
Claim to fame: Two-time, first-team all-SEC selection (2007 and 2008) and unanimous first-team all-america in 2008. Outland Trophy winner and Jacobs Trophy (SEC's top offensive lineman) co-recipient in 2008.
Memorable moment: VIDEO: Smith finds the end zone.
Next level: Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round (No. 6 overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. Struggled in each of his first two NFL seasons before making 45 starts at right tackle over the next three campaigns.
2.] DJ Fluker (2009-2012)
Previous ranking: 2
Why he's here: Lived up to five-star billing, but it didn't come easy. Fluker came to UA with the fitness level of a one-star before making good use of a redshirt year to get himself in position to start in 2010. Unrivaled run blocker who made large strides in pass protection in his three years as a starter at right tackle.
Claim to fame: First-team All-SEC and second-team all-america in 2012.
Memorable moment: VIDEO: Spotlighting DJ Fluker.
Next level: Selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round (No. 11 overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft, Fluker started 15 games as a rookie, including four at left tackle. Named to the NFL All-Rookie team by the Pro Football Writers of America.
3.] Barrett Jones (2008-2012)
Previous ranking: 3
Why he's here: The most versatile lineman of the Saban era, Jones started one season at left tackle for the Crimson Tide. Still, how do you leave a guy who won the Outland Trophy and Jacobs Trophy while playing the position off the list? You don't, that's how.
Claim to fame: Three-time first-team all-SEC at three different positions.
Memorable moment: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDS6WfFNMGE">VIDEO: Spotlighting Barrett Jones
Next level: Selected by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Jones saw action in three games as a rookie.
Next three: Cyrus Kouandjio (2011-2013) (PR: 5); James Carpenter (2009-2010) (PR: 4); Drew Davis (2006-2009) (PR: 6)/Austin Shepherd (2011-present) (PR: Not ranked).
http://alabama.247sports.com/Article/Top-3-OTs-of-Saban-era-revisited-185108
To qualify for consideration as the top quarterback in the Nick Saban era at Alabama, a national championship needs to be a part of a prospective candidate's resume. That isn't the case at offensive tackle, apparently.
Of the seven players considered for this list, only one left UA without a ring. And that player -- Andre Smith -- ranks first among those who have manned the tackle position for the Crimson Tide since 2007.
1.] Andre Smith (2006-2008)
Previous ranking:: 1
Why he's here: Top combination of pass protector and run blocker at his position in the Saban era to date. Started 38 of 40 games during his UA career. Teamed with tight end Travis McCall to pave the way for 2,585 rushing yards during the 2008 season.
Claim to fame: Two-time, first-team all-SEC selection (2007 and 2008) and unanimous first-team all-america in 2008. Outland Trophy winner and Jacobs Trophy (SEC's top offensive lineman) co-recipient in 2008.
Memorable moment: VIDEO: Smith finds the end zone.
Next level: Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round (No. 6 overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. Struggled in each of his first two NFL seasons before making 45 starts at right tackle over the next three campaigns.
2.] DJ Fluker (2009-2012)
Previous ranking: 2
Why he's here: Lived up to five-star billing, but it didn't come easy. Fluker came to UA with the fitness level of a one-star before making good use of a redshirt year to get himself in position to start in 2010. Unrivaled run blocker who made large strides in pass protection in his three years as a starter at right tackle.
Claim to fame: First-team All-SEC and second-team all-america in 2012.
Memorable moment: VIDEO: Spotlighting DJ Fluker.
Next level: Selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round (No. 11 overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft, Fluker started 15 games as a rookie, including four at left tackle. Named to the NFL All-Rookie team by the Pro Football Writers of America.
3.] Barrett Jones (2008-2012)
Previous ranking: 3
Why he's here: The most versatile lineman of the Saban era, Jones started one season at left tackle for the Crimson Tide. Still, how do you leave a guy who won the Outland Trophy and Jacobs Trophy while playing the position off the list? You don't, that's how.
Claim to fame: Three-time first-team all-SEC at three different positions.
Memorable moment: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDS6WfFNMGE">VIDEO: Spotlighting Barrett Jones
Next level: Selected by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Jones saw action in three games as a rookie.
Next three: Cyrus Kouandjio (2011-2013) (PR: 5); James Carpenter (2009-2010) (PR: 4); Drew Davis (2006-2009) (PR: 6)/Austin Shepherd (2011-present) (PR: Not ranked).
