Same line wants different results

Last season the Alabama offensive line allowed 28 sacks in 13 games, including a season high five sacks against Arkansas. That is more than every team in the SEC except Auburn (35) and Kentucky (37).

In 2007, four starters return with a new coach, new offense and with something to prove.

The offensive unit that bore extensive criticism the past several seasons has earned some early praise from their new head coach.

"We've shown signs where we can be dominant," Nick Saban said after a practice. "We did a decent job at times but gaining consistency is something we want to continue to work on."

Building a stable and consistent offensive line is a goal that has eluded a bevy of former Crimson Tide coaches.

Saban put his most experienced assistant in charge of reworking a veteran unit. Joe Pendry brings 40 years of coaching experience to the offensive line. His last job was as the offensive line coach for the NFL's Houston Texans. Pendry replaced coach Bob Connelly, who is now with the UCLA Bruins.

Saban has not released a depth chart, but public workouts revealed one major personnel change along the line.

Redshirt sophomore Mike Johnson, a 6-foot-6-inch, 298-pound Pensacola native, made a move from backup guard to starting right tackle. Johnson possesses the combination of size, speed and strength the new coaching staff was looking for at tackle.

Johnson has put himself in position to supplant senior Chris Capps as the starter. Capps has started 26 consecutive games for the Tide.

At left tackle, sophomore Andre Smith returns after a freshman season, which earned him freshman All-SEC and freshman All-America honors. His quick first step and massive frame present a formidable challenge for opposing defensive lineman.

Smith worked in the summer and fall to improve his conditioning in order to perform more consistently for four quarters. A member of the preseason All-SEC second team, Smith is listed as 6 feet 5 inches and 340 pounds on the team roster.

Senior Justin Britt is back at left guard. Britt moved to offense last year after playing his first two seasons at defensive tackle.

Junior Antoine Caldwell returns to his role at center for the Tide. Outstanding hips, versatility and leadership ability make Caldwell a key contributor to the line. SEC coaches named Caldwell preseason second team All-SEC.

Junior Marlon Davis earned the starting job at right guard. Davis has worked at guard his entire college career. Davis replaced junior B.J. Stabler for the final three games of last season. Stabler, who has battled knee injuries for several years, has moved outside to right tackle and has been working behind Johnson.