Early in spring practice, Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer saw an abundance of experience on the right side of his offensive line.
“With Wilkin Formby, Parker (Brailsford), and J-Rob (Jaeden Roberts) at centre, that right side is kind of the veteran side right now,” DeBoer stated in March.
Roberts, who started for the Crimson Tide last season, is back as the right guard. Early in the season, Formby began at right tackle but, after struggling, was demoted to the bench behind Elijah Pritchett.
Formby is the likely starter for 2025 after Pritchett went for Nebraska. The Tuscaloosa native thought back on his 2024 campaign Wednesday after practice.
“I had a rough beginning,” Formby remarked. But it was good, in my opinion. It was essential to develop and learn. I’m pleased with my season-ending performance, and I wanted to start the offseason on a high note.
Formby’s third season with the Crimson Tide is about to begin. After taking over as the starting right guard last season, Roberts is entering his sixth season.
Formby claims that during the past few years, the two had developed a relationship.
Since he was with the twos when I first arrived and we played a lot together throughout spring and autumn camp, “many people don’t realise that we’ve been playing together for so long,” Formby explained. “… Being near to J-Rob is amazing. He simply adds that enthusiasm, and we have a fantastic relationship.
Despite dealing with ailments during the 2024 season, Roberts—who has always been regarded as one of the Tide’s strongest players—played through the most of the discomfort. He stated on Wednesday that although the injuries had an impact on him, he is “100%” going into the new year.
The Houston senior stated that strengthening his hands was his first priority throughout spring practice.
“Our hands are our weapons as offensive linemen,” Roberts stated. And the only way we can take advantage of it is to improve on what we do every single day. Our hands are our greatest weapon when we go up against the defensive line or linebackers, and you can’t be a great offensive lineman if you don’t have them.
During spring practice, Roberts and Formby even held a sweating contest to demonstrate how well they get along. Formby has been taking on a more significant leadership role for some of the group’s younger players, Roberts told reporters.
Furthermore, Roberts was taking on a lot of responsibility because he was the offensive line’s longest-tenured member.
Roberts remarked, “It’s a big responsibility.” One of the elderly men on the queue is myself. There is a great deal of experience with just the correct side. I have the experience just by being the right guard, and the tackle has experience as well. All we’re doing is trying to prepare and working hard.
Alabama will have an open session for A-Day at Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 12 after finishing spring practice. This season, A-Day won’t be aired and won’t be a game or scrimmage.
