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5 Alabama stars who won’t be back in 2023 and who will replace them

By Cody Williams

Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) quarterback Bryce Young (9) head coach Nick Saban and defensive back Jordan Battle (9) pose for photos following the victory against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) quarterback Bryce Young (9) head coach Nick Saban and defensive back Jordan Battle (9) pose for photos following the victory against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama Football
Emil Ekiyor Jr., Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Losing Emil Ekiyor Jr. will be a big loss for the Alabama offensive line

The Alabama offensive line was not perfect for much of the 2022 season and we saw some shuffling among that group because of that. But one spot that was never totally in question was the right guard spot thanks to the big body of Emil Ekiyor Jr. filling that spot.

Ekiyor was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide and he showed every bit of that as he earned first-team All-SEC honors on the season and continued to be dominant. He was one of the highest-graded overall blockers at the FBS level for the year and really helped keep that group together with some shuffling around him throughout the campaign.

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide clearly saw the need to keep funneling offensive line talent into Tuscaloosa and the recruiting class reflected that. That could be an option to replace as we could see someone like 5-star Kadyn Proctor at guard as Alabama is famous for moving tackles inside early in their careers.

Alabama replacement for Emil Ekiyor Jr.: Jaeden Roberts

The more obvious replacement that’s already on the roster for the Crimson Tide, though, is redshirt freshman Jaeden Roberts. A 4-star recruit from the 2021 class, he now has two years working in the program and should have the first crack to take over the veteran leader in the trenches. But make no mistake, there will be a ton of talent ready to push him.

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