Bama O-Line looking strong

TUSCALOOSA — There are plenty of questions Alabama’s football team must answer before the Crimson Tide takes the field Aug. 30 against Clemson in Atlanta.

But senior center Antoine Caldwell doesn’t have any about his unit.

Asked how good the offensive line could be, Caldwell thought a moment, shook his head and said, “I mean, there really isn’t a limit — and there isn’t an excuse for not getting it done. ... There is no excuse for this line.”

As Alabama takes this week off for spring break — just two practices into its drills — second-year Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban likely loses less sleep on his line than any other unit on the field.

Alabama could line up with five returning starters along the front — Evan Cardwell at center, Caldwell and Marlon Davis at guards and Mike Johnson and Andre Smith at tackles.

“They’ve played a lot of football in their careers so far and been pretty consistent performers for us,” said Saban about the trio of Caldwell, Smith and Johnson. “Marlon Davis started a lot of games last year.”

Cardwell, who is battling back “flare-ups,” as he put it, started the last half of the season at center.

But with the experience comes the responsibility of meeting expectations — or even exceeding them.

“I’ve talked to the guys a lot about that after we get done working them out and stuff,” Caldwell said. “I tell them, Marlon is a 3-year starter, I’m a four-year starter, Mike Johnson is going to be a three-year, it’s time for us to, you know, step up and be what this football team needs us to be. We need to put this football team on our backs.

“We’re taking that mindset and that mentality into spring ball. And coach (Joe) Pendry has also been a big part in helping us realize that. We need to step up for this team, while other guys, maybe some younger guys come in and catch up.”

The team returns to the practice field March 24.

Caldwell, who has earned his degree and elected to return to improve his NFL prospects, said he’s played center and guard, although more at center so far.

“Like I’ve said before, I’ll do whatever they need me to do,” said the standout from Montgomery.

Voted a permanent co-captain on last year’s team, Caldwell’s return provides leadership, skill and experience that his teammates welcome.

“I think it’s great,” quarterback John Parker Wilson said when asked about Caldwell’s return. “Not only him but we have four other guys who started. I guess everybody’s started two years. We have some experience at the offensive line position, which is huge. The offensive line is knowing how to play with the other guys and knowing how to move your body and get in front of guys. So I think it’s great.”

Depth is always a concern, but Saban and Caldwell said younger players have improved noticeably in the offseason program.

“There are some guys who are going to have an opportunity — whether it’s Drew Davis, David Ross, whoever it is — to compete and solidify that group,” Saban said. “That’s what spring practice is all about, and that’s what’s going to happen for us.”

“David Ross has come along,” Caldwell said. “A guy I’m really excited about is William Vlachos. The guy’s a hoss. He’s strong. He’s starting to get it mentally. I think that’s been more of what was his deal was and he’s come along strong. I’m excited to see everybody working this spring.”