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Alabama Coaching Staff Sees Competition at Right Tackle

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 14:43 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Alabama’s Right‑Tackle Race: A Coaching‑Staff Perspective

In a candid look at the 2024‑25 offensive line, Alabama’s coaching staff has revealed that the right‑tackle spot is not a settled position for the Crimson Tide. Head coach Nick Saban, assisted by offensive‑line guru T.J. Smith and other members of the staff, stressed that the program’s depth and competitive culture will keep the position in play well into the spring and preseason.

The right‑tackle position is the linchpin of Alabama’s offensive philosophy. While the left tackle protects the quarterback’s blind side, the right tackle is equally critical for creating inside running lanes and anchoring the pass‑block against a full‑back or defensive end. The coaching staff’s emphasis on the role underscores the Tide’s continued commitment to a balanced offensive attack.

The Players in the Mix

At the center of the competition are two players: senior guard Jalen Lewis and freshman right‑tackle prospect Ben Rook. Lewis, who has been a stalwart of the Tide’s interior line for three seasons, will be looking to step into a bigger role on the line’s outer flank. He brings a blend of pass‑blocking precision and run‑blocking muscle that made him a key component of the 2023 national‑championship offense.

Rook, on the other hand, is a 5‑star recruit from Texas who committed to Alabama in the spring of 2023. The 247Sports profile (linked in the original SI.com piece) shows Rook as a standout right‑tackle prospect ranked 12th in the country. He is known for his quick first step, athleticism in the pocket, and ability to handle a defensive end’s speed rush. The staff believes Rook’s skill set will be invaluable in the upcoming depth‑chart battles.

The coaching staff also hinted at the potential involvement of a junior‑college transfer, L.J. Jones, a former defensive tackle who can flip to the right‑tackle position in the future. Jones’s experience and size add an additional layer of depth to the right‑tackle race, providing a “plan B” for the coaching staff as they shape the line for the next season.

Coaching‑Staff Rationale

In an interview at the Alabama Football Media Day, T.J. Smith underscored the philosophy that “the best player earns the spot.” Smith’s long tenure as the offensive line coach has built a reputation for developing raw talent into elite performers. “We’re always looking for the next generation of talent,” he said. “It’s about who can run the blocking scheme, who can read the defense, and who can protect the QB in the pocket.”

Saban echoed Smith’s sentiments, adding that the Tide’s “depth is a national secret.” “If you’re going to win the next championship, you need to have guys who can fill in when the starters get injured,” he said. “The right‑tackle spot is a good example of that.” The coaching staff plans to assess the players through a series of in‑house drills and scrimmages, focusing on footwork, hand placement, and overall agility.

Recruiting and Player Profiles

The article’s link to Ben Rook’s 247Sports profile provides a detailed breakdown of his high‑school performance. Rook earned four letters in football and two in track and field, recording 100 tackles in his senior season and contributing to a state‑topping offensive line that ran for over 4,500 yards. The recruiting ranking (source: 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals) highlights Rook as one of the top prospects for the 2024 class. His athletic profile—standing 6’5” and weighing 280 lbs—fits the prototypical modern right‑tackle mold.

Conversely, Jalen Lewis’s profile indicates a strong blend of size and speed, as well as a reputation for blocking on the interior line. The coaching staff’s decision to have Lewis “try his hand” at right‑tackle shows a willingness to develop versatility among its linemen.

Depth and Development Strategy

Alabama’s coaching philosophy has always emphasized a “bunch of talent” philosophy. The staff’s approach for the right‑tackle spot includes a layered evaluation. First, the players will be tested in single‑man pass‑blocking drills; next, they will participate in two‑on‑two run‑blocking sessions. Finally, the coaching staff will simulate game‑speed scenarios in the “Redshirt Spring” scrimmages. These steps will reveal who can maintain composure and consistency at the line of scrimmage.

In addition to the on‑field drills, the staff will also assess the players’ off‑field work ethic. “I’ve seen a lot of players who are physically ready but mentally not,” said Smith. “The right‑tackle has to read the defense, react to the play design, and stay disciplined.” A player’s ability to execute in high‑pressure moments will determine whether he earns the starting role.

Historical Context

The right‑tackle position at Alabama has historically been a hotbed of talent. In 2023, the starting right‑tackle was a junior guard who contributed to the Tide’s 13‑1 record and BCS national championship. The staff’s decision to look at both a senior guard and a freshman recruit for the position is part of a long‑standing tradition of nurturing talent.

In the 2023 season, Alabama’s offensive line allowed just five sacks, a testament to the unit’s cohesion and individual excellence. The coaching staff believes that a fresh mix of talent at right‑tackle will bolster that performance even further, providing a deeper line that can withstand any defensive scheme.

Outlook for the 2024‑25 Season

With the right‑tackle race in full swing, the coaching staff’s primary objective is to ensure that the Tide’s offensive line remains one of the best in the country. The competition between Lewis, Rook, and Jones is expected to intensify during spring practice. The staff will use the competition to refine technique, build trust among teammates, and identify the player best suited to handle the responsibilities of a right‑tackle.

In the broader context of Alabama’s football program, the coaching staff’s transparent approach to competition signals a renewed focus on depth and resilience. As the Tide’s players continue to grow and adapt, the right‑tackle position is poised to be one of the most exciting storylines of the upcoming season.

The coaching staff’s candid remarks—highlighting the need for the “best player to earn the spot” and the importance of depth—illustrate the philosophy that underpins Alabama’s continued success. Whether the position will be claimed by the veteran guard, the dynamic freshman, or the experienced transfer remains to be seen. Regardless, the competition itself is a hallmark of the program’s relentless pursuit of excellence.