The Alabama Analysis: New look O-line for Tide

Replacing arguably the best offensive line in the country is certainly no easy task.

D.J. Fluker, Barrett Jones, and Chance Warmack have moved on to the NFL, and new ‘Bama offensive line coach Mario Cristobal will now accept the responsibility of solidifying a new starting front, while grooming the newcomers and veteran reserves.

In a college football landscape where the slightest misstep is considered a sign of failure, the 2013 edition of the Alabama offensive line will have something to prove.

The Alabama offensive line at work. pic.twitter.com/fYhjU9ueiM
— Cliff Kirkpatrick (@COKirkpatrick) August 2, 2013

While Alabama returns one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the nation, a stable of highly touted running backs, and a crop of decorated wide receivers, the “functionality” of everything offensively will be predicated on the production of the offensive line.

An inconsistent offensive front could easily turn a potentially potent Tide offense into an ill-performing jalopy.

Prominent players

Cyrus Kouandjio - Left Tackle (returning starter)
Arie Kouandjio - Left Guard
Ryan Kelly - Center
Anthony Steen - Right Guard (returning starter)
Austin Shepherd - Right Tackle

Emerging talent

Leon Brown
Bradley Bozeman
Brandon Greene
Brandon Hill
Grant Hill
Chad Lindsay
Isaac Luatua
Alphonse Taylor
Kellen Williams

While it is still too early to “cement” the starting offensive line for 2013, the key figures are in place. Since nothing is fool-proof, one can only make a projection, based on experience in the program and repetitions, that someone like Austin Shepherd, for example, will be ready to fill a void.

In respect to the reserves, expect junior college transfer Leon Brown to have a significant role. Brown, along with the likes of Brandon Greene, Brandon Hill, Chad Lindsay, Alphonse Taylor, and Kellen Williams will comprise the bulk of what should be a very talented second unit.

The 2013 edition of the Crimson Tide offensive front won’t be the best in the nation, but they do have a chance to be one of the best in the SEC. Chemistry is a vital factor, yet chemistry can't be formed in a single practice, or even a single game. The full potential of this group could very well remain a mystery until late October or early November.

As noted above, Alabama has the tools when it comes to the skill positions on offense, but those skills are only as fruitful as the production and protection of the offensive front.

Unit rating: 7.5/10

Four in the Box: Alabama preseason notes

Day two of preseason camp

The 2013 edition of the Alabama Crimson Tide came together as a single unit for the first time during the second day of preseason practice.

Beat writer Andrew Gribble provides a quick observation of the on field activities from earlier today…

>>> Alabama practice report: Full 2013 squad comes together for 1st time

The missing man

Where is offensive lineman Caleb Gulledge? The 105 man roster for the 2013 squad was released today and Gulledge was inexplicably absent. Expect Nick Saban to field a couple of questions concerning the Gulledge situation at the next media obligation.

>>>Caleb Gulledge not at practice and is not on Alabama's 105-man roster

The new breed

Who are the new guys? The link below provides a roster of the 2013 scholarship freshmen, as well as several notable walk-ons.

>>>Alabama unveils heights, weights of newcomers; adds handful of notable walk-ons

Altee Tenpenny in his first practice at The University of Alabama pic.twitter.com/nFq6D6IhHC
— NLR Football (@NLRfootball) August 3, 2013
 

Sign this...

Sharpies and sweat will be the order of the day come Sunday afternoon as Alabama’s annual “Fan Day” will commence at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Making the trip? Take a quick look at what to expect at this year’s event…

>>>Football Open Practice and Fan Day Slated for Sunday, August 4

Darius Paige deemed medically ineligible by Tide staff

Earlier this week it was noted that offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman would be joining the Crimson Tide football team for preseason camp rather than accepting a grayshirt which would delay his enrollment until January 2014.

While the Bozeman situation, taken alone, was positive news, the unexpected situation also meant something potentially unfortunate in respect to someone else.

After today’s initial practice, the first session of preseason camp, head coach Nick Saban announced that incoming freshman Darius Paige has been medically disqualified due to an undisclosed issue.

Freshman DE Darius Paige has been "medically disqualified," Saban says.
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) August 2, 2013

Via quotes obtained through Al.com, Saban made the following comments regarding the Paige situation…

"Darius Paige has medical issues that has caused our medical staff to think that it is not safe for him to play, so he has been medically disqualified," Saban said.

"He is here, and we are helping to support him. He will be on scholarship. He will get an education, but our medical staff is working with him right now to try to help improve his condition. I can't comment any further on that."

Saban also stated, as hinted in the aforementioned, that Paige’s situation was/is the direct reason that Bozeman was able to join the 2013 roster.

Shocking news? No question…

Paige, a four-star defensive lineman, was considered one of the “top prospects” in respect to the 2013 signing class. While it is obviously too early to know for certain, it appears, on the surface, that Paige’s college football career could potentially be over before it even begins.

Quite obviously shocking news in a college football world where very little is “shocking” these days.

When the story just isn't big enough...

Less than 24 hours prior to the start of preseason camp, Darius Paige posted the following tweets.

Being leftout is the worst feeling ever!! :(
— Darius Paige (@Darius_Paige) August 2, 2013
 Nobody deserves to be treated like an option

— Darius Paige (@Darius_Paige) August 2, 2013

Although the tweets have absolutely no contextual value, veteran sports writer Cecil Hurt decided to “retweet” Paige’s comments in an apparent effort to connect today’s medical news with the tweets in question.

Given Hurt’s clout with fellow media personalities and “football fans” in general, the Paige tweets quickly garnered attention. Quite obviously just the way Hurt intended.

Since the tweets had no contextual value in respect to today’s “top story,” the owner of The Crimson Elephant expressed his displeasure with Hurt.

@CrimsonFlavor Just putting out what he said in the public domain.
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) August 2, 2013

So, Mr. Hurt was simply sharing what Paige entered in the public domain?

Weak response…

For all we know the tweets in question could have been about a relationship or a friendship? The possibilities are endless, yet Hurt, quite obviously, pinned them on today's regional and national story concerning Paige's status at Alabama.

If you visit Paige’s Twitter account he recently placed something "in the public domain" about Bojangles’. Unfortunately, Hurt failed to retweet the "chicken update"...even though it actually contained contextual value.

In the old days of journalism, “connecting the dots” was an essential practice. In 2013 all you need is one dot, and you’re given free form to attach it to whatever you want. Hurt, by design, took that privilege today.

Roll Juggernaut: New team...same Saban

While it only seems like yesterday that Alabama was hoisting the crystal trophy after defeating Notre Dame, time really does fly when a dynasty is in progress.

The next stop on the “progression train” will lead the newest edition of the Alabama Crimson Tide to the gridiron Friday morning for the first day of preseason practice. With veteran leadership, coupled with fresh faces, Nick Saban will once again strive to meet the challenges presented in this ever changing world of college football.

The installation of positive team chemistry and the eradication of the sense of entitlement will forever be the struggle during this “golden age” of success at the Capstone.

August has arrived, and it is once again time for Nick Saban to “feed the beast” that currently has a chokehold on major college football.

Roll Reign Roll? ‘Bama begins 2013 season at No. 1

Alabama resumes its reign atop coaches poll http://t.co/3G0BVq529r
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) August 1, 2013

The camp questionnaire

In a very informative and inquisitive piece, Alabama beat writer Andrew Gribble poses five critical questions in respect to Alabama’s preseason camp. Arguably one of the most insightful articles on the wire…

Five burning questions as Alabama prepares for the start of preseason camp http://t.co/T3kBrk7i8e
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) August 1, 2013

Coming attractions

Next week The Crimson Elephant will begin a unit-by-unit breakdown of the 2013 squad as well as provide various “play-by-play” accounts (posts) of the on field action in respect to preseason camp.