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Members of an unprecedented three national championship teams, Alabama’s 2009 offensive line class is worthy of the SEC’s ‘best ever’ mention after producing three first-round picks and multiple standouts who earned individual honors during their stint in Tuscaloosa.
Five-star D.J. Fluker was the headliner at left tackle, though he lost the head-to-head battle for the left tackle spot with JUCO transfer James Carpenter who also arrived in 2009. Chance Warmack gave Alabama the most bang for its buck as a three-star prospect who provided instant depth behind Barrett Jones as a true freshman.
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Warmack started five games his freshman season before starting 39 games over his final three years. Anthony Steen, the lesser known blocker of the four stars in the 2009 class, became a three-year starter at guard two years later.
Between Fluker, Warmack and Carpenter, the trio combined for two All-American honors and four all-conference nods during their tenure.
Alabama’s remaining two signings up front, guard Kellen Williams and tackle Darius McKeller, had varying careers. Williams was counted on as a key backup while McKeller transferred to South Alabama in 2011.
Lost in translation amongst memorable players like A.J. McCarron, Dre Kirkpatrick and Trent Richardson, Alabama’s 2009 class in the trenches offensively won’t soon be matched.
