Kalen DeBoer provided an update today on the current state of Alabama’s tight end group, offering insight into how the unit is shaping up in the wake of recent injuries.
Alabama football is entering a new era under head coach Kalen DeBoer, and with fall camp underway, there’s no shortage of position groups under the microscope. One that has drawn recent attention is the tight end room — a unit that has long been a staple of physicality, versatility, and silent but crucial contributions to the Crimson Tide’s offensive identity. After a string of unfortunate injuries, Kalen DeBoer took the time to dive deep into the status of the tight end group, shedding light on who’s healthy, who’s stepping up, and what the road ahead might look like for the unit in 2025.
The tight end position has always played a unique role in Alabama’s offense. From dominant run-blocking tight ends in the Nick Saban era to more recent dual-threat players who could stretch the field or serve as safety valves for quarterbacks, it’s a spot that demands physical and mental toughness. But now, with a new offensive system under DeBoer and injuries affecting depth and development, there’s a sense of uncertainty — mixed with opportunity.
DeBoer was candid in his breakdown. Injuries have, no doubt, impacted the rotation and overall momentum of the tight end room. He acknowledged that a few players are currently sidelined, some dealing with nagging issues that have limited their reps, while others are working through more serious setbacks. The absence of fully healthy bodies has forced the coaching staff to get creative with practice reps and formations, rotating younger players into more prominent roles and challenging them to learn on the fly. That’s not ideal, but it’s also not entirely unexpected at this point in the preseason.
The name that continues to surface as a foundational piece is Robbie Ouzts, a veteran presence who’s been in the program and understands the culture. Ouzts has seen action in both heavy packages as a blocker and occasionally as a short-yardage receiver. While he may not be the flashiest player on the roster, his reliability, toughness, and football IQ make him a coach’s dream — especially during times like these, when consistency is in high demand. DeBoer praised Ouzts for his leadership and ability to be a steadying force while younger players adapt to the speed and complexity of the college game.
Speaking of young talent, there’s real excitement surrounding a couple of underclassmen who are rapidly gaining ground. Redshirt freshman Ty Lockwood is one of them. Lockwood, who was part of the 2023 signing class, has a skill set that meshes well with DeBoer’s vision for a balanced offense. While still raw in certain areas, particularly in-line blocking against SEC-level edge defenders, Lockwood has flashed promise in the passing game. Coaches have noted his fluid route running, soft hands, and ability to find soft spots in zone coverage. If he can stay healthy and continue to absorb the playbook, he could carve out a role sooner rather than later.
Another player who has been thrown into the mix is true freshman Caleb Odom. A former high school wide receiver turned hybrid tight end, Odom brings a unique athletic profile to the position. He’s tall, rangy, and explosive — not your traditional tight end build, but potentially a matchup nightmare if developed correctly. DeBoer noted that Odom still has a lot to learn in terms of technique, especially when it comes to blocking responsibilities and physicality at the point of attack. But his upside is undeniable. The staff is working with him closely to fast-track his development, knowing that his athleticism could be a real asset in certain passing packages.
Injuries have also created opportunities for players deeper down the depth chart. Walk-ons and seldom-used contributors are getting reps they may not have otherwise received this early in fall camp. While not necessarily long-term solutions, these reps are critical for both player development and evaluation. DeBoer emphasized that competition is wide open and that nothing is set in stone. He also made it clear that the staff is willing to make schematic adjustments based on personnel availability — which could mean fewer multi-tight-end sets until more players return to full strength.
The injuries, while a setback, also provide a valuable lens through which the coaching staff can assess adaptability. DeBoer comes from a background where maximizing available talent — even if it means thinking outside the box — has been key to success. At previous stops like Washington and Fresno State, he worked with tight end rooms that weren’t always stacked with depth but still found ways to get production through creative play design and mismatches. That philosophy is now being implemented in Tuscaloosa, where adaptability is quickly becoming a theme across the board.
One of the more encouraging aspects of DeBoer’s update was the tone of optimism. While the injury bug is never welcomed, he made it clear that most of the issues are not season-ending and that several players are expected to return to practice before the start of the regular season. The timeline varies by player, but the general sense is that the group will be closer to full strength in a few weeks. That’s critical, not just for offensive balance, but also for special teams and red-zone efficiency — two areas where tight ends often play unsung but vital roles.
Strength and conditioning coach David Ballou and the medical team have been instrumental in managing recovery timelines. DeBoer praised their work in helping players rehab responsibly without rushing back too soon. The goal, he said, is to be healthy in September — not just in early August. That long-term thinking reflects a measured, championship-caliber mindset, one that values sustainability over short-term fixes.
The bigger picture is that Alabama is still in the middle of a transitional period. A new coaching staff, a new offensive scheme, and a new set of expectations all converge at a moment when the margin for error in the SEC is razor thin. Every position group has questions, and the tight ends are no different. But within those questions lies a hunger — a desire to prove that this unit can be more than a placeholder. DeBoer’s comments suggested belief in the group’s ceiling, even if it hasn’t been fully reached just yet.
One thing that stood out in DeBoer’s remarks was his emphasis on the tight end room as a reflection of team culture. He spoke about accountability, effort, and buy-in — the kinds of intangible qualities that don’t show up on a stat sheet but can often separate good teams from great ones. Even with players rehabbing on the sideline, their involvement in meetings, film study, and walkthroughs remains high. That level of engagement matters, and it bodes well for reintegration once they’re cleared to return to full participation.
Looking ahead, Alabama’s tight ends will continue to be monitored closely. The next few weeks of camp are critical for identifying who can handle expanded roles, who’s developing chemistry with the quarterbacks, and how the group fits into the broader offensive puzzle. DeBoer isn’t expecting perfection, but he’s demanding progress — and based on his breakdown, the tight ends are responding to that challenge.
It’s not an ideal situation, but it’s also not unfamiliar territory for a program used to overcoming adversity. In fact, overcoming adversity is almost a prerequisite for success in Tuscaloosa. The tight end room, for now, may be bruised and in flux, but there’s no sense of panic — only purpose. With veteran leadership, emerging young talent, and a coaching staff committed to adaptation, the group has a chance to emerge stronger on the other side of these challenges.
So as Alabama pushes forward in fall camp, the tight end room remains one of the more intriguing storylines. Injuries may have temporarily clouded the picture, but DeBoer’s detailed assessment gave clarity to the situation. There’s work to be done, but also tools to work with. If health improves and development continues on schedule, this unit could end up being a quiet strength of the Crimson Tide’s 2025 campaign — just like it’s been in so many seasons before.
