Alabama football shifting around expected first-team offensive line

There was a bit of a shuffle amongst the first team offensive line On day four of Alabama football’s fall camp.

Geno VanDeMark was seen taking the first team reps at the right guard position, a spot normally manned by Jaeden Roberts. VanDeMark has been switching in and out with Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry at left guard, but Dewberry took the reps there today. VanDeMark has also been taking second team reps at center, meaning that he is preparing to play any position on the interior of the Tide’s offensive line.

Alabama football’s head coach Kalen DeBoer provided some insight on the shakeup during his press conference on Sunday.

“I think we have the competitive piece, and then you also have the ‘this is what we would do’ and just guys learning, cross-training different positions,” DeBoer said. “Geno’s got to play center on top of guard, and so, he’s a Swiss-Army knife that way. Really important to us. I really like the way he’s developed coming back from a year ago. He clamps on to you and says connected, something I’ve seen from his growth. And then, he’s comfortable in all of those spots and playing aggressively.”

DeBoer was also asked about Roberts and Dewberry’s possible training at other spots on the line, like VanDeMark.

“I think they’d probably start out at their spots and get most of the snaps, but there might be small situations as we go through camp, and we’ll see how it goes if we want to distribute some matters there just to get a guy, you know, in a pinch on some reps that’s he’s comfortable with in a spot.”

VanDeMark’s growth and versatility could be critical throughout the season if the situation presents itself. All signs point to the Tide rotating all three offensive linemen at the guard positions.