Alabama OC Nick Sheridan addresses starting OL, battle at RT ahead of opener vs. WKU

Alabama OC Nick Sheridan is hoping to come in and help Jalen Milroe take a significant leap in his second season as the Crimson Tide’s starting QB. Sheridan came over with new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, where he served under him as the tight ends coach for the Washington Huskies since 2021.

In order to maximize Milroe’s impact in 2024 and give him the best chance to thrive in the new high-powered, pass-heavy offense, it’s imperative the offensive line is on the same page and can give the starting QB proper protection.

On Monday, Sheridan met with the media and was asked about the offensive line as Alabama prepares for its season opener against Western Kentucky in Tuscaloosa this coming Saturday. He was first asked about the battle for starting right tackle between Wilkin Formby and Elijah Pritchett.

“I feel very confident in both of them, they have both had good camps,” Sheridan told Charlie Potter of Bama Online before keeping Saturday’s starter at RT a mystery at least for now.

Alabama OC Nick Sheridan on the right tackle battle between Wilkin Formby and Elijah Pritchett: "I feel very confident in both of them. They both have had very good camps."

— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) August 26, 2024

Pritchett comes in with more experience but has had mixed results when thrown into action. The big-bodied offensive lineman who works at tackle played in all 13 games last season after deciding to redshirt during his freshman season. Against Ole Miss he played 14 snaps at left tackle but allowed one sack and one pressure.

Against Arkansas, Pritchett thrived in the run game with his 25 snaps but allowed two sacks. Most of his other experience in those 13 games came on special teams.

Fomby, a redshirt freshman, has less experience and saw the field sparingly in 2023. The 6-foot-8, 324-pound big man has the physical attributes to thrive at right tackle but saw action in just a few snaps last season.

When it comes to the offensive line as a whole, Sheridan has been impressed with the group according to Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread.

Alabama OC Nick Sheridan on the OL as a whole: "The accountability in that group is high. There's a lot of pride in that room. … You see guys willing to confront and demand of each other."

— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) August 26, 2024

The accountability in that group is high. There’s a lot of pride in that room. … You see guys willing to confront and demand of each other.”

Sean Labar

Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.