Elijah Pritchett has made many improvements as he competes for a starting job

The formation of Alabama’s offensive line is one of the larger question marks on the team outside of who will be under center come this fall.

One player looking to snatch a starting role is redshirt freshman Elijah Pritchett who has been taking some reps with the first team this spring.

Nick Saban noted when speaking with the media on Wednesday that Pritchett has made several improvements as he looks to grab one of the open spots on the offensive line.

“He’s done a good job,” Saban said. “Elijah’s getting better. I think he’s one of those guys that’s a young guy that needs to be able to sustain intensity, not get penalties, do the little things right. But he has done a really really good job this spring.

“He’s played well, he’s made a lot of progress and improvement and he’s really competing hard for a position as a starter.”

Pritchett was sidelined early on last season as he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the summer setting him back. This limited the 6-foot-6 312-pound Columbus, Ga. native to just two appearances in 2022 with his first coming against Austin Peay and later in Alabama’s bowl game against Kansas State.

Saban isn’t the only member of the Crimson Tide singing the praises of Pritchett as redshirt sophomore JC Latham has also had some good things to say.

“He was injured, but I definitely see a lot of growth, see a lot of maturity,” Latham said. “He has that kind of experience of just being in the Alabama culture, so I do expect a lot out of him coming into this spring and new season. So I’m really excited about him.”

Alabama is hoping Prithcett takes a similar path as Latham did which is to gain a starting spot in their second year in the program and thrive.