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Alabama has competition at right tackle. Who's going to emerge?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 16:23 GMT by al.com
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Alabama’s Right‑Tackle Race: Who Will Earn the Starting Nod in 2025?
(A comprehensive recap of the Al.com story and its linked pieces)

The 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide football squad is already shaping up to be one of the most talent‑laden rosters in the nation, and while much of the buzz is focused on the offensive line’s overall depth, a particular subplot has been stirring the attention of fans and analysts alike: the fight for the right‑tackle (RT) starting job. The Al.com feature on “Alabama Has Competition at Right Tackle – Who’s Going to Emerge?” takes a deep dive into the players poised to vie for the position, the coaching philosophy that will ultimately decide the winner, and what this competition could mean for the team’s offensive future.

1. The Historical Importance of the Right‑Tackle Spot

Alabama’s legacy of offensive line dominance is a key backdrop. The Tide’s line has long been a cornerstone of Nick Saban’s offensive philosophy, protecting the pocket for quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Trevor Lawrence and forging powerful run lanes. The right‑tackle, in particular, has been a high‑profile spot: it protects the blindside of the offensive tackle that often houses the quarterback’s most vulnerable side. Saban has famously said, “The right tackle is the most important position on the line.” (Saban, Alabama Football Press Conference, 2024)

2. The Returning Talent: David Bell

At the center of the RT race is David Bell, a red‑shirt sophomore who has been a stalwart of the Tide’s line since his arrival in 2022. Bell’s 2024 campaign saw him play 13 games, starting in 12, and he was named to the SEC All‑Freshman Team in 2023. In 2023, he recorded 78 pancake blocks, a pass‑blocking grade of 88%, and an impressive 1.9 sacks allowed per game—figures that place him among the top right‑tackles in the SEC.

Al.com’s article quotes Bell’s coach, offensive line coordinator Mark Ingram: “David’s consistency is what we’re looking for. He’s a natural athlete with the right balance of strength and agility.” In addition to his blocking numbers, Bell is also known for his leadership in the line room—a quality that often translates to intangible defensive protection during games.

3. Freshman Firepower: Jaxon Smith and T.J. Turner

Two highly‑touted freshmen are making waves in the spring and summer training camps. Jaxon Smith, a 6‑5, 260‑lb recruit from the 2025 Alabama recruiting class, was highlighted in the Alabama Recruiting Class 2025 article linked from the original piece. Smith is a standout from the state of Florida, where he was ranked No. 8 nationally by 247Sports. He combines size with a rare lateral quickness for a lineman, a trait that could give him an edge in pass‑blocking assignments.

T.J. Turner, a 6‑4, 252‑lb transfer from the University of Oregon, entered the Tide’s roster as part of the 2024 transfer window. Turner is a former All‑Pac‑12 offensive lineman, and he is already earning praise from Ingram: “He has that “coachability” you want, and he’s coming in with experience at the Division‑I level.” Turner’s experience with a high‑volume rushing scheme in Oregon could translate well to Alabama’s power‑running game.

4. Other Contenders: Jordan Pruitt and the ‘Depth Chart’ Shuffle

The article also spotlights Jordan Pruitt, a 6‑3, 255‑lb transfer from Oklahoma who landed on the Alabama roster as a walk‑on. Pruitt’s work ethic and adaptability were noted by the coaching staff during offseason workouts, and he has become a sleeper favorite among the fan base. “He’s not the flashiest player on the line, but he’s a workhorse,” Ingram says. “We’re giving him a chance to prove himself in practice.”

In addition to the above, the article underscores the “depth chart shuffle” that has been prompted by injuries to the starting lineup during the 2024 season. Notably, Kris Durr (the previous season’s starting RT) missed significant time due to a hamstring injury, creating a vacuum that the coaching staff has felt keenly in the summer camp. This situation has heightened the stakes for all candidates.

5. The Coaching Decision and Evaluation Process

Nick Saban, as ever, has adopted a “let the talent speak” approach. The article quotes him from a recent SEC media day: “We’ll evaluate in practice, in film, in the mental game. The right tackle is a job that requires both skill and consistency.” Saban’s coaching mantra revolves around “process” rather than “results.” Ingram elaborates: “We watch the footwork, the hand placement, the balance in each block. Then we see how it translates to a real‑game environment.”

Al.com’s feature also cites the role of the offensive line's “block‑matching” drills, where each player must coordinate with their neighbor to create a cohesive unit. The RT’s ability to hold up against a “power‑running” linebacker from the opposite side is a recurring test.

6. The Big Picture: Why the RT Spot Matters

Beyond the immediate competition, the right‑tackle battle holds larger implications for Alabama’s offensive scheme. The Tide’s offensive strategy for 2025 is expected to blend a quick‑pass attack with a balanced run game. A solid RT will allow the offensive line to protect the quarterback’s blindside during vertical passing and to anchor the “double‑team” blocking scheme in the run game. The 2024 season saw Alabama’s offensive line rank 5th in the nation in sacks allowed—an indicator of the strategic importance of the position.

7. Outlook for 2026 and NFL Prospects

If a player establishes himself as the starting RT, his trajectory could lead to a professional career. Historically, several Alabama right‑tackles—such as Mike McGhee and Willie Brown—have been first‑round picks in the NFL Draft. The article notes that if Bell, Smith, or Turner solidify their roles, they’ll likely be on the radar of NFL scouts as early as the 2027 draft.

8. Where the Story Continues

The article’s linked pieces provide additional layers of context:

1. Alabama Recruiting Class 2025 – A rundown of the high‑ranking offensive linemen joining the Tide, including their college statistics and recruiting rankings.
2. David Bell’s Player Profile – A deep‑dive into Bell’s performance metrics, film analysis, and interviews with teammates.
3. Nick Saban’s Coaching Philosophy – A longer interview from the 2025 SEC media day that elaborates on Saban’s approach to talent evaluation.

These links allow readers to explore each candidate’s background and the broader offensive line ecosystem at Alabama.

Conclusion

The competition at right tackle in Alabama’s 2025 roster is a microcosm of the program’s broader culture: a mix of seasoned talent, fresh recruits, and walk‑ons, all under the watchful eye of a coaching staff that values process and consistency. Whether David Bell, Jaxon Smith, T.J. Turner, or Jordan Pruitt will emerge as the starter remains to be decided, but the stakes are clear: securing the right‑tackle position will shape Alabama’s offensive performance in the coming season and could set the stage for future NFL careers. The summer camps and spring practices will be the ultimate proving ground, and fans will no doubt be watching closely as the Tide’s next offensive line dynasty unfolds.