What Alabama football RT Elijah Pritchett needs to improve

Alabama football offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett has seen the most snaps of his career this season.

After two seasons as a reserve, Pritchett started the first game of 2024 at left tackle with Kadyn Proctor injured. Then Pritchett became the starting right tackle against Wisconsin and has filled the spot primarily ever since. Wilkin Formby has rotated in some, but Pritchett has received a majority of the snaps.

Pritchett has had a bit of a mixed performance. There‘s been good. There‘s also been bad. Some in between too.

Pritchett has allowed 18 pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus’ charting. That is by far the most of any of the starting offensive linemen. Guard Jaeden Roberts is the next closest, having allowed eight.

What does Pritchett need to improve?

“Consistency is really the big thing,” offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic said. “You’ll watch him, and he will have some really good plays. Good sets. Good with his hands. I think I was looking, there are four guys he’s had to block this season are projected to be first rounders. And he’s done some really good things. But then the minute his set isn’t quite right or he leans a little bit or doesn’t use his hands, you’re going to get exposed.”

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

“But it’s also, you’ve got to be able to change things up to not give him the same look every time,” Kapilovic said. “It’s definitely a challenge, but the thing about it is, he’s shown he can do it. Just need more consistency from him.”

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

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.