You just don't realize the importance of an offensive lineman if you simply listen to the media.   They are often bragging on the guys that carry, catch, or throw the football.  However, there is one guy on Alabama's team that touches the football for Alabama on every play, and you don't hear much about him.   For an offensive lineman, the silence is golden.  

He is starting center, William Vlachos. 

William Vlachos is Alabama's starting center.    The center position is very unique in that it is like the quarterback position of the offensive lineman.  It is very important.  The center is field general for the other lineman and will call for adjustments to blocking assignments as the defense lines up.  Top level leadership is important or the offensive line will be at a disadvantage. 

William Vlachos is one of the best centers in America.  Don't take it from me.  Ask the guys who hand out the Rimington trophy to the best center in America.  The award is awarded annually to the nation's most outstanding center.   They have put William Vlachos on their watch list of potential recipients this year.  

I would vote for Vlachos. 

Vlachos became a starter as a sophomore in 2009, the National Championship year.    Vlachos soon developed into one of the best centers in the SEC and surprised most Alabama fans in the process.   Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram was the beneficiary of Vlachos' leadership in the line and now Trent Richardson is the current beneficiary of the blocking of Vlachos.   Alabama is atop the SEC in rushing yards and total offense.

Coach Saban said it best about the offensive line when he said that Trent Richardson couldn't do it without the offensive line.  So true, and one of the first guys we need to thank is William Vlachos. 

ROLL TIDE!

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