This Rising Alabama Star is Turning Heads in Fall Camp

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One second-year Alabama player is gaining a lot of steam, and it may not be who you think it is.

Second-year interior offensive lineman Mal Waldrep out of Seale, AL, has been turning a lot of heads in Fall Camp.

On Monday morning, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who’s long been a fan of his, sang Waldrep’s praises after practice.

"Mal Waldrep has been a guy that’s been a good echo player,” Grubb said. “You’re hearing the calls come back from Mal. He’s really helped. I think you’re looking at some of the glue guys… So I think when the voice comes from the inside out to those guys, the lines of communication are a lot cleaner, and the gel will happen a lot quicker when you get that voice from inside out.”

During his freshman season in 2025, Waldrep saw limited action, appearing only in Week 2 against ULM and Week 13 against Eastern Illinois.

However, he was a critical part of Alabama’s game plan each week. Leading up to the Tennessee week, Waldrep earned Offensive (Scout) Player of the Week by the Alabama coaching staff. So this recent development from Waldrep shouldn’t be a surprise.

“He’s always had just this steadfast, kind of stoic, like ‘I’m going to be able to get this done,’” Grubb said. “He might be a little potentially ahead of schedule for what maybe some people thought. But we always knew he was tough, smart, and dependable, and that’s really what has shown up is a physical football player.”

Grubb's comments are particularly significant considering his recent concerns about Alabama's offensive line. Earlier in camp, he acknowledged the unit still had work to do and emphasized that the coaching staff was searching for its best five.

Waldrep’s ascension may be significant enough for him to earn starting reps alongside Michael Carroll and Jackson Lloyd – two linemen that have already received the stamp of approval from the coaching staff.

For a player who barely saw the field as a freshman, Waldrep has put himself in a much different position heading into the season.

Alabama still has plenty to figure out along the offensive line, but if Waldrep continues to show the toughness, intelligence and dependability that Grubb praised, he could force his way into the conversation for a starting role.

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