Former 3-star OL ‘picking things up’ for Alabama coming off injury

The players are getting better with each practice, but the aim for Alabama’s offensive line is building consistency and continuity.

We have seen multiple lineups in practice videos and scrimmage clips of the offensive line; however, Racin Delgatty (center) and Michael Carroll seem to be a constant theme. Jackson Lloyd, a redshirt freshman, was named the starter at left tackle – yet Nick Brooks has been working that position with the second team. Jayvin James is working right tackle on first-team, while Ethan Fields is growing in confidence. Crimson Tide fans simply want the offensive front to be good in the fall, and there is another name trying to position himself for action on the field.

Mal Waldrep Jr., a former three-star, arrived in the Tide’s 2025 recruiting class. The Alabama native can play multiple positions across the front, but he’s worked at guard in spring practice. Waldrep played two games last season, including eight snaps versus Eastern Illinois.  He was banged up at points last year, but DeBoer sees the redshirt freshman progressing.

The third-year head coach for Alabama highlighted Waldrep’s development after the team’s first scrimmage.

“Mal has been in with the twos, but he has rotated with the ones,” DeBoer said. “He had an injury at the end of the year, but it is really good to see him. He is really picking things up, and he’s gaining more confidence.”

The 6-foot-5, 322-pounder will be in the rotation on the line.

He may serve as the backup to Michael Carroll at right guard, especially if Alabama decides to move Carroll inside and have James at right tackle.

We will see how Waldrep continues to progress.