Critical piece of Alabama offensive line rotation playing with ‘sense of urgency’

Alabama football’s offensive lineman, Geno VanDeMark competed to start at left guard for Alabama while also taking snaps as a backup center during the spring.

VanDeMark is expected to do the same during fall camp with an emphasis on taking advantage of his limited remaining eligibility.

“For Geno, he’s had a lot of experience,” Alabama offensive tackle, Kadyn Proctor said at SEC Media Days. “He’s in his last year of eligibility. He’s played a long time. He knows what he’s doing. He’s a smart guy. Ever since going to Alabama, he’s gotten stronger, faster. He’s just had that focus and intent knowing he’s an older guy that knows this is his last year. He’s got a sense of urgency honestly to be the best that he can.”

Parker Brailsford is expected to start at center for Alabama in 2025. VanDeMark will likely serve as one of his backups along with backing up both guard positions if he does not win the starting left guard position.

The spring provided VaDeMark with an opportunity to prep for his expected role.

“Sometimes I’ll just do full days at center,” VanDeMark told reporters in the spring. “I’m always snapping everyday. Maybe if I’m mostly a guard, Kap (Kapilovic) would say, ‘hey go at center right here with this group or whatever. It’s pretty split. Last season, I would alternate every day. Right now, It’s just been pretty much the same thing. I play a lot of center.”

Alabama’s offensive line rotation has an opportunity to be seven players deep at worst with the group expected to be among the best in the sport.