Kalen DeBoer reveals player who’s been a ‘Swiss army knife’ for Alabama
The Alabama football left guard competition doesn’t seem to have settled just yet, but one of the players in the mix brings notable versatility.
On Sunday after practice Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer highlighted Geno VanDeMark’s ability to play center and both guard spots.
“Geno’s gotta play center, on top of guard,” DeBoer said. “He’s a Swiss Army knife that way, and really important to us. I really like the way he’s developed coming back from a year ago. He clamps onto you, and he stays connected. That’s something I’ve seen really with his growth. He’s comfortable in all those spots, and playing aggressively, playing confidently.”
VanDeMark joined the Crimson Tide ahead of the 2024 season. He had played for Alabama offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic at Michigan State previously.
VanDeMark rotated in some at guard his first season with the Crimson Tide. He started one game at right guard and on game at left guard. He is now in competition with Kam Dewberry at left guard. Alabama must replace Tyler Booker after the Dallas Cowboys selected the Crimson Tide captain in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
VanDeMark is a 6-foot-5, 333-pound redshirt junior from Lodi, New Jersey. He was with Michigan State from 2021 to 2023.
