Touchdown Alabama Top 30: No. 7 OL Emil Ekiyor

Originally posted on Touchdown Alabama Magazine | Last updated 8/31/22

Alabama football kicked off fall camp Thursday, Aug. 4.

Fans of the Crimson Tide are excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program look to reclaim the crown of national champions. With the start of college football quickly approaching, the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews of the top 30 players on Alabama’s roster.

Alabama football’s redshirt senior offensive lineman, Emil Ekiyor comes in at No. 7.

Emil Ekiyor

-Classification: Redshirt Senior

–Position: Offensive Lineman

-Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

-Height: 6-3

-Weight: 307 pounds

–Strengths: Footwork, Nastiness, Quickness, Reach Blocking, Combo Blocking. Keeps feet moving while engaged in blocks

-Weaknesses: Getting to the second level

SUMMARY:

Emil Ekiyor is expected to be a leader on an offensive line, which is expected to be improved this season.

Ekiyor has started 29 games for Alabama, including 15 in 2021 at right guard. He finished last season with 17 knockdown blocks while giving up 1.5 sacks. He is listed as the Crimson Tide’s starting right guard heading into Alabama’s matchup against Utah State Saturday.

The Indiana product was selected to the Associated Press preseason All-America second team ahead of this season. He has an opportunity to climb some draft boards this year with his play.

At 6-foot-3 and 307 pounds, Ekiyor is a physical offensive linemen with quick feet. He excels at reach blocks with his ability to quickly seal off defensive lineman. He also flashes an ability to finish blocks with a mean streak.

Alabama has some weapons in the backfield and multiple weapons at wide receiver. With Bryce Young returning for his junior season, Ekiyor and Alabama’s offensive line will determine how much success Alabama’s offense will have the opportunity to have.