What Alabama football RT Elijah Pritchett needs to improve

Alabama football Offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett saw the most snaps of his career this season.

After two seasons as a substitute, Pritchett started the first match of 2024 on the left wing with the injured Kadyn Proctor. Pritchett then became the right guard against Wisconsin and has primarily held that position since. Wilkin Formby was rotated at times but Pritchett received most of the snaps.

Pritchett had quite a mixed performance. It was good. It was bad too. Some in between too.

According to Pro Football Focus charts, Pritchett has allowed 18 tackles this season. This is by far the most of any starting offensive lineman. The next closest is guard Jaeden Roberts, who has allowed eight.

What does Pritchett need to improve?

“Consistency is really the most important thing,” offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic said. “You watch him and he makes some really good plays. Good sets. He’s good with his hands. I think I was looking. The four players he has had to block this season are expected to play in the first round. And he did some really good things. But the moment his set isn’t quite right, he’s leaning a little or he’s not using his hands, you’ll be exposed.

Kapilovic noted that Pritchett is on an island as an attacker, which makes consistency all the more important.

“But you also have to be able to change something so that it doesn’t look the same every time,” Kapilovic said. “It’s definitely a challenge, but the most important thing is that he showed he can do it. I just need more consistency from him.”

No. 14 Alabama will face No. 16 LSU on Saturday, November 9 (6:30 p.m. CT, ABC) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.