Alabama head coach Nick Saban knows what’s in store for him on Thursday nights: a trip to Baumhower’s Grille for “Hey Coach” and a talk with Peewee from Grand Bay about the Tide offensive line.

This week the pair had an entertaining sparring match on Saban’s weekly radio show. Peewee wanted to know about the Tide’s offensive line struggles. The long-time caller noted he’s seen improvement, but there are still snapping issues and UA has allowed 31 sacks (among the worst in the country). Peewee specifically noted the pressure allowed by left tackle Kadyn Proctor.

Saban jokingly asked Peewee what he’d do to fix it. Peewee suggested putting a running back or tight end to help Proctor deal with the speed rush. Saban agreed to an extent before delving into a defense of Proctor and the other freshman on Alabama’s roster.

“I’m in total agreement with you that we’ve been very inconsistent, at times, in pass protection. Some of it has been created by the left side of the line, which I think there are strategic things we can do to help that side of the line,” Saban said. “You mentioned several of them.

“You got a freshman playing left tackle, who’s a very talented guy. He’s working. He’s getting better and he’s gonna continue to get better and be an outstanding player, but he’s a freshman. I know the expectation is we can replace anybody, any time and they’re gonna step in and play like a first-round draft pick. But that’s not necessarily the case. We all have to have time to develop players.”

More than halfway through the 2023 season, Alabama’s offensive line has yet to deliver consistency. Proctor’s struggles began early, unsurprising for a first-year player in the SEC. But the Tide didn’t have many replacement options other than redshirt freshman Elijah Pritchett, who’s been rotated in throughout the fall and played his most snaps of the year against Arkansas last weekend. The unit has also missed Tyler Booker and Darrian Dalcourt to one game apiece due to injury.

Saban noted how Alabama’s depth overall has been impacted by the transfer portal. He once again made the claim that underclassmen players who would’ve been in line for playing time opted for what they perceived to be greener pastures through the transfer portal. In August, Saban said one of Alabama’s 18 outgoing transfers disappointed him.

Alabama has gotten a variety of production from its first-year players. Caleb Downs leads the defense with 54 total tackles and two interceptions. The safety is widely regarded as one of the best freshmen in the country. The class overall was rated the best nationally according to 247Sports Composite ratings. Both Downs, Proctor and linebacker Keon Keeley were top 10 players.

Wideout Jalen Hale has three catches, including a 33-yard touchdown against Ole Miss. Former five-star running back Justice Haynes has been a contributor on special teams, while also tallying 10 carries for 62 yards. Defenders Tony Mitchell and James Smith also have a tackle each.

Said Saban: “All this is a part of growing up. If any of y’all out there have had kids, you know you’re going through this a little bit with your own kids. We just got a bunch of them, that’s all.”

On Monday, Saban explained that due to their fall arrival, Keeley and Yhonzae Pierre, elite outside linebacker prospects, have yet to get much playing time as a byproduct of learning the system. Others, like Downs and quarterback Dylan Lonergan, were spring enrollees. Saban has been pleased by Keeley and Pierre’s progress through practice, he said.

Proctor and the rest of No. 11 Alabama will get their next opportunity this weekend against No. 17 Tennessee at 2:30 p.m. CT in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].