Kalen DeBoer praises Alabama’s ‘swiss army knife’ on offensive line
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Kalen DeBoer is watching a few position battles as Alabama fall camp gets into full swing and DeBoer’s crucial 2nd year in Tuscaloosa takes shape.
The one that makes the most headlines, of course, is the 3-man quarterback competition, which DeBoer was encouraged about after the first 4 practices of camp. But when the 2nd week of camp begins on Tuesday, DeBoer will again have his eyes on another position that creates far less headlines — offensive line.
Along Kalen DeBoer’s O-line, there is a battle at left guard that features senior Geno VanDeMark. The 6-foot-5, 326-pound New Jersey product gives DeBoer a lot of things, and that was exactly the point when DeBoer spoke to reporters after Sunday’s practice. Sure, VanDeMark can ultimately be the guy at left guard when fall camp breaks and the season kicks off later this month.
But if VanDeMark doesn’t win that left guard competition, it hardly means he won’t be a factor for Alabama in 2025. Just the opposite, in fact, and that was what DeBoer was trying to stress on Sunday. DeBoer highlighted VanDeMark’s ability to play either guard spot as well as center. So, assuming he stays healthy, VanDeMark will be featured somewhere on that retooled Alabama offensive line.
“Geno’s got (the ability) to play center on top of guard, so, you know, he’s really a swiss army knife that way. Really important to us, and I really like the way he’s developed. … He clamps on to you and stays connected. That’s something I’ve seen really with his growth. He’s comfortable in all those spots and playing aggressively, playing confidently,” DeBoer told reporters.
By month’s end, VanDeMark will be playing somewhere, with DeBoer knowing he can always switch things up and move VanDeMark around.
Alabama will open the 2025 season against Florida State on Aug. 30.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
