TUSCALOOSA, Ala.— Improvement was a common theme during the 2023 Alabama football season. Despite early challenges, the squad won the SEC title game over Georgia and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff’s final four teams. Individual players improved as well, like guard Jaeden Roberts.
By the end of the season, the current redshirt junior had established himself on the offensive line. The Houston native’s pure strength was on full show. After appearing in just three of the Crimson Tide’s first five games, he entered the Rose Bowl with eight consecutive starts at right guard.
Roberts’ performance last season inspires him, but the 316-pounder is focused on the future and anchoring the first offense under Kalen DeBoer.
“It makes me really motivated, just with all the new staff and the new players,” he told reporters. “We just want to keep expanding and improving. We’re getting closer to our targets, but every day we’re simply trying to identify the little things and improve everything.”
New Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan is impressed with Roberts on several levels.
“What a great kid,” Sheridan said of Roberts. “You’re just talking about a worker. Strong, very strong. I believe he is only building on the basis established by his previous experiences. But he’s a great child. A pleasure to coach. Tough and hardworking. And strong. “Did I mention strong?”
Roberts mentioned that he wants to improve his footwork, hand placement, and eye synchronization. He cited communication among the offensive line as something that helped him advance last season, and he wants to assist the younger players in the room in this regard.
“That’s what I’m trying to do for the younger guys,” he added. “Everybody is new and fresh. Everyone will very likely communicate less effectively, but it is simply one thing I want to do for everyone else and myself.”
He characterizes the offensive line’s desired mindset as “being a beast,” getting the job done regardless of who is across from them.
“We’re really focusing on mentality and what our jobs are,” Roberts went on to say. “Mentality will be extremely important when facing good defensive lines. “You just have to beat the person in front of you.”
Roberts and other senior lineman, such as Tyler Booker, are working hard to instill the standard in the new players. They’re pleased about the individual abilities introduced to the position group, as well as the offensive line coach, Chris Kapilovic.
“It is amazing. We need someone like that to coach the offensive line. “Very intense, very detailed, and prepared to go every day,” Roberts stated.
In the short term, Roberts hopes to use the spring to grow as an athlete and person, as well as coach his teammates, whom he refers to as “my guys,” and hone his leadership skills even more. “Trying to kick butt,” in the spring and fall, is another thing on the schedule.
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