The Alabama Crimson Tide football team, known for its storied history and relentless pursuit of excellence, has been hit with a surprising move as Javion Cohen, a key offensive lineman, has announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Cohen, a junior who has been a mainstay in the starting lineup for Alabama’s offensive line, is considered one of the more talented players on the unit and his departure raises significant questions about the team’s offensive line depth heading into the 2024 season. The timing of the move, just months before the start of the new season, has sent shockwaves through the Alabama football program.
This development comes as the Crimson Tide faces a crucial year, with head coach Nick Saban looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2023 season by his standards, which saw the Tide finish with an 11-2 record but fall short of making the College Football Playoff. Alabama’s offense, which has traditionally been one of the most powerful in college football, will be under scrutiny this season as they transition to a new starting quarterback and look to improve upon the inconsistency that plagued them in 2023. Losing a seasoned offensive lineman like Cohen, who was expected to play a significant role in keeping the quarterback protected and opening up running lanes, complicates these efforts.
In this article, we’ll break down everything we know about Cohen’s decision to enter the transfer portal, the impact on Alabama’s offensive line, and what this means for the team’s future.
Javion Cohen: A Key Contributor to Alabama’s Offensive Line
Javion Cohen’s decision to leave Alabama comes as somewhat of a surprise, given that he had been a mainstay on the Crimson Tide’s offensive line since his freshman year. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound offensive guard from Phoenix City, Alabama was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school and quickly made an impact in Tuscaloosa. Over the past two seasons, Cohen has played in 28 games, starting 22 of them, and has consistently been one of the most dependable linemen on the roster.
Cohen’s strength and versatility allowed him to play both guard positions, but he was most often used at left guard, a key position on the offensive line that is essential for protecting the quarterback’s blindside. Known for his solid technique, physicality, and ability to pull effectively in run-blocking schemes, Cohen had become a trusted asset for Alabama’s offensive line unit. His performance in 2023 was one of the better ones on a unit that had some growing pains, especially given the loss of some key veteran pieces from previous seasons.
In the midst of a competitive battle to establish chemistry with new quarterbacks and running backs, Cohen was expected to provide stability and leadership on the offensive line heading into the 2024 season. His experience in big games, including the College Football Playoff and SEC Championship games, made him a key figure for the Tide. His decision to transfer has thus raised concerns about Alabama’s ability to maintain the same level of play on the offensive line as they move forward.
The Decision to Enter the Transfer Portal
Cohen’s decision to enter the transfer portal reportedly came as a result of a combination of factors, some of which have been publicly discussed, while others remain behind closed doors. Cohen, who was expected to be a mainstay on Alabama’s offensive line in 2024, has had several conversations with coaching staff and teammates in recent weeks, and it appears that the move was a mutual decision between Cohen and head coach Nick Saban.
Sources within the program indicate that Cohen’s departure might have stemmed from a desire to explore more opportunities for both personal growth and professional development. It’s worth noting that the offensive line has undergone several changes in recent years, with Saban continually bringing in top-tier talent from the recruiting trail to supplement an already stacked roster. In particular, there are younger players on the team, such as Tyler Booker and J.C. Latham, who have emerged as potential future stars in the trenches, leading to questions about the direction of Cohen’s role within the team moving forward.
Although there has been no official statement from Cohen himself, several insiders have suggested that his decision was not solely motivated by playing time but also by a desire for a fresh start in a new environment. Alabama’s offensive line coach, Eric Wolford, has been known for his high standards and tough coaching style, which could have contributed to Cohen’s desire for a change of scenery. While Saban is known for his loyalty to his players, the dynamic between player and coach can sometimes lead to a reevaluation of one’s role within a program, especially when there are personal and professional ambitions at play.
What This Means for Alabama’s Offensive Line
Losing a player of Javion Cohen’s caliber presents significant challenges for Alabama’s offensive line, which was already facing questions heading into the 2024 season. The Crimson Tide’s offensive line has been a focal point of the program in recent years, and with the departure of Cohen, there will now be even more pressure on the remaining veterans to step up and solidify the unit. Alabama has been known for producing some of the best offensive linemen in the country, and this loss further underscores the challenges of maintaining dominance at every position on the field.
With Cohen’s departure, the Tide now have to figure out how to fill a key spot on the offensive line. Several players are expected to compete for the starting role at left guard, including Tyler Booker, Amari Kight, and Tanner Bowles. Booker, a highly touted sophomore who has already shown flashes of brilliance, is expected to be one of the primary candidates to replace Cohen. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound lineman is known for his strength and ability to dominate in the run game, making him a likely fit at left guard. However, replacing Cohen’s experience and leadership will not be an easy task.
Additionally, the injury to Emil Ekiyor Jr., another key member of the offensive line, could complicate matters further. While Ekiyor has been a reliable contributor over the past few seasons, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery means that the offensive line will need to rely heavily on younger, less experienced players. The development of J.C. Latham, a highly regarded recruit in 2023, will also be critical in determining the overall depth and performance of the line.
The Search for a New Starting Five
The Alabama offensive line’s success in 2024 will hinge on how quickly the coaching staff can find cohesion among the new starting five. The Crimson Tide have a tradition of dominating in the trenches, and the program’s success has often been built on strong offensive and defensive lines. With the uncertainty surrounding Cohen’s departure, there is now an increased focus on the development of the younger players on the roster.
Aside from Booker and Latham, Darrian Dalcourt is another player to watch. Dalcourt, who has played both center and guard in the past, has valuable experience and versatility that could allow him to slide into a starting spot. He is known for his intelligence and ability to make quick adjustments on the fly, which will be crucial as Alabama looks to build chemistry along the front. However, the loss of a player like Cohen, who brought both physicality and leadership, means that the pressure on Dalcourt and his peers will be amplified.
The addition of Nicolas Iamaleava, the highly-touted freshman, could provide a spark to the unit as well. Iamaleava, who played alongside some of the best linemen in the country during his time in high school, brings a wealth of talent and athleticism to the group. While it’s unclear if he’ll see significant playing time in 2024, his development in practice will be crucial in helping to create depth across the offensive line.
What’s Next for Cohen?
As for Cohen’s next destination, the offensive lineman is expected to receive heavy interest from a number of programs. Given his pedigree and success in the SEC, Cohen will likely have his pick of schools, with several major programs looking to add an experienced player to bolster their offensive line. Cohen’s decision to enter the transfer portal opens up a wide range of possibilities for his future, including a potential move to another SEC school or to a program in a different Power 5 conference.
While Cohen has not yet announced any schools he’s considering, his high school pedigree and strong college track record mean that programs will be vying for his services. This could lead to a significant recruitment process, where he weighs factors like playing time, coaching, and future NFL prospects as he moves on from his time at Alabama.
The Bigger Picture: Alabama’s Future
While the loss of Javion Cohen is certainly a blow to Alabama’s immediate offensive line depth, the Crimson Tide have proven time and time again that they can reload and develop talent at nearly every position. With a strong recruiting pipeline and excellent coaching, Alabama is likely to recover from this setback and continue to be one of the most dominant teams in college football. However, Cohen’s departure serves as a reminder of the challenges even the most successful programs face in maintaining a consistent level of talent and leadership across the board.
As the Crimson Tide look ahead to 2024, the development of their offensive line and the leadership of players like Tyler Booker, J.C. Latham, and Darrian Dalcourt will be critical in determining the team’s success. The loss of Cohen underscores the unpredictability of college football, where the landscape can shift quickly, and teams must be ready to adjust on the fly. For now, the focus will be on how quickly Alabama can find stability up front as they aim for another run at the College Football Playoff.
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