As we continue through the offseason, Roll Tide Wire has decided to bring fans a quick snapshot of each scholarship player listed on Alabama’s 2020 football roster.
Each day, we’ll release two player profiles giving fans a glimpse into the players who will be available this upcoming season. Whether that’s size, classification, hometowns or recruiting rankings coming out of high school, we’ve got you covered.
Also included in each article is a quick recap letting you know what to expect from that player for the upcoming 2020 season and beyond.
Next up on the list is senior offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood out of Pensacola (Fla.).
Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Line
Height: 6-6 / Weight: 310
Class: Senior
Hometown: Pensacola (Fla.)
High School: Booker T. Washington High School
HS ranking (247Sports): 5-star / No. 4 overall / No. 1 OT / No. 1 FL
HS ranking (Rivals): 5-star / No. 4 overall / No. 1 OT / No. 1 FL
Analysis: After being one of the top 5 players in the country for the 2017 recruiting cycle, Alex Leatherwood, for the most part, sat and developed as a true freshman with little to no playing time for a majority of the season. In that national title against Georgia however, he was forced into action at left tackle when Jonah Williams went down with an injury.
The performance was admirable, but with Williams set to return in 2018, Leatherwood was forced to kick inside to right guard for his sophomore season. The results were up and down due to the former five-star having the ideal frame and skills for a blindside protector, but he made it work.
Last season, Leatherwood was moved back to his natural position at left tackle and flourished, almost causing him to leave early for the 2020 NFL Draft. But instead, he chose to return for his senior season — a huge win for the Crimson Tide’s offense.
This season will be more of the same. While the rest of the offensive line could see a shakeup, Leatherwood will remain as a fixture at left tackle. He’s got an All-SEC — and potentially All-American — season ahead of him as long as he can stay healthy.
Leatherwood’s size, length and athleticism makes him an ideal NFL prospect.
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