2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Position Preview: Offensive Line

Led by a potential future top-10 NFL draft pick, the big guys up front may have a chance to dominate opponents in the trenches this season.

There are many important positions in the sport of football, but many would offer that the offensive line can dictate a football game more so than any other unit.

Think about it — the offensive line is more or less responsible for how every play goes, whether good or bad. Good blocking on a run play? The back may break open a big run down the field. Good blocking on a pass play? The quarterback will have more time to throw and the receivers more time to get open — thus creating a big play downfield.

But it's more than that. A strong, dominant offensive line can wear down the opponent throughout the course of a three-hour game. At some point, the defensive line and linebackers on the opposing team may not want to run as hard at the brick wall in front of them.

For the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2023-24, it's a mixture of veterans and youth on the offensive front — led by perhaps the top draft prospect in the SEC.

Offensive tackle JC Latham looks like a man amongst boys when he is on the field — and that's saying something when the "boys" are other SEC football players. At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Latham is the dominant figure of the group. He started all 13 games at right tackle in 2022-23, allowing just two sacks on Bryce Young. Unsurprisingly, Latham was named to the All-SEC first team in the SEC Preseason Media Poll. He's expected to be a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Another veteran on the offensive line is Seth McLaughlin. McLaughlin played an important role for Alabama in 2022-23 — essentially taking over the center position in the back half of the season. He was named All-SEC second team at SEC Media Days last week. McLaughlin will play a key role in communicating with the Crimson Tide's new starting quarterback in 2023-24 — whoever it may be.

The other Crimson Tide offensive lineman to make the All-SEC second team is Tyler Booker. Booker, like Latham, is an absolute giant. In fact, Booker is in a similar position to Latham as a sophomore — looking to take a bigger role in 2023-24. Booker was named to the SEC All-Freshman team last year, as well as being selected as a Freshman All-American by PFF. Next year, Booker will likely be looking to establish himself as a name to look at in the 2025 NFL Draft. Oh — Latham and Booker were also teammates at IMG Academy.

Another name to keep your eye on his true freshman Kadyn Proctor. 6-foot-7, 354 pounds — Proctor is one of the biggest freshmen I have ever seen. Proctor was the No. 1 offensive tackle in the Class of 2023 — receiving as many as 20 college offers by the time he was 16 years old. Nick Saban and Alabama flipped him on Early Signing Day after he was originally committed to his in-state school, Iowa. He may not be a starter to begin the season, but don't rule it out.

Projected Depth Chart

LT: Elijah Pritchett (RS Fr.) or Kadyn Proctor (Fr.)

LG: Darrian Dalcourt (GR) | Terrence Ferguson II (RS So.) | Roq Montgomery (Fr.)

C: Seth McLaughlin (Sr.) | James Brockermeyer (RS So.)

RG: Tyler Booker (So.) | Jaeden Roberts (RS So.) | Olaus Alinen (Fr.)

RT: JC Latham (Jr.) | Miles McVay (Fr.) | Wilkin Formby (Fr.)

2023-24 Alabama Offensive Line

Elijah Pritchett

Worked to earn a role in the Crimson Tide's deep offensive line unit during his first season in Tuscaloosa. One of the top offensive line prospects in the 2022 cycle who was a five-star by Rivals and 247Sports.

Darrian Dalcourt

Second-year starter at center for the Crimson Tide in 2022-23. Played 315 snaps in five starts and seven games played as he battled injuries for much of the season. Had 10 knockdown blocks as the signal-caller of the line.

Allowed zero sacks, three pressures, four quarterback hits and committed one penalty.

Selected as a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is the top academic honor in college football. Earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors following season opener. Named an offensive player of the week by the Alabama coaching staff against Utah State and ULM.

Seth McLaughlin

Alabama's starting center the second half of the season in 2022-23 and an important piece to the Alabama offensive front in 2022. Earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors. Played in 11 games as a junior, earned 913 snaps, started eight games at center.

Selected as an offensive player of the week by the Alabama coaching staff for his play against Arkansas, Austin Peay and Auburn.

Tyler Booker

Established his ability to help the Alabama offensive front early in his career. Named to the Freshman All-SEC Team by the league coaches. Selected as a Freshman All-American by Pro Football Focus. Played in 12 games, rotating at both guard spots, before starting the Sugar Bowl at left guard. A physical presence on the interior of the line.

Played 420 snaps during the 2022 campaign and had 30 knockdown blocks with one sack allowed, three pressures and one quarterback hit allowed. Selected as one of the offensive players of the week by the Alabama coaching staff for his output against Auburn.

JC Latham

Laid claim to the starting job at right tackle on the Alabama offensive line. Started all 13 games of the 2022 campaign. Had 29 knockdown blocks on the year — an imposing physical presence.

Allowed two sacks, 11 pressures, two quarterback hits and committed 10 penalties. Selected as one of the offensive players of the week by the Alabama coaching staff for his efforts against Auburn.

Kadyn Proctor

One of the top-rated offensive tackles in the cycle. Iowa's top-ranked prospect. A five-star recruit by nearly every major site. The No. 5 player nationally and top-ranked offensive tackle according to 247Sports.

Terrence Ferguson II

Played in five games in 2022-23 — earned 53 snaps.

James Brockermeyer

Earned time in two games during his second season with the Crimson Tide in 2022-23.

Jaeden Roberts

Powerful offensive lineman who saw action in three games in 2022-23.

Miles McVay

One of the top offensive lineman prospects in the nation. Rated No. 138 on the ESPN300, checking in as the 16th-rated offensive tackle, No. 10 player in the Midwest Region and the No. 2 from the state of Illinois. 247Composite listed him at No. 192 nationally, the No. 19 offensive tackle and No. 3 player in the state.

Roq Montgomery

No. 47 interior offensive lineman and No. 21 player in the state of Alabama in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports.

Olaus Alinen

An elite offensive line prospect who hails from Pori, Finland, but prepped at The Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut. Unanimous four-star prospect. Ranked as high as No. 132 on the ESPN300 list and the No. 14 offensive tackle prospect by the outlet. Consensus No. 1 player in the state of Connecticut. Ranked 175th in the 247Composite and the No. 15 offensive tackle.

Wilkin Formby

One of the top offensive line prospects after a standout prep career at Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa. A unanimous four-star prospect. Ranked as high as No. 51 nationally by On3. Listed as On3's No. 6 offensive tackle and the No. 6 player in the state of Alabama.

See Also:

2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Position Preview: Safeties

2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Position Preview: Running Backs

2023 Alabama Crimson Tide Position Preview: Defensive Line