Geno VanDeMark Returns for Year Two at Alabama, Poised to Anchor Interior Line as Versatile Powerhouse
As Alabama gears up for the 2025 season, the Crimson Tide offensive line enters the fall with one word in mind: stability. Rising redshirt‑senior Geno VanDeMark is back for his second season in Tuscaloosa, and head coach Kalen DeBoer’s staff expects him to play a critical role—especially along the interior of the offensive front.
After arriving from Michigan State in the transfer portal, VanDeMark immediately made his presence felt in 2024, appearing in all 13 games and earning two starts—one at left guard and one at right guard. His reliability and high-level performance garnered trust from coaches and teammates alike . Offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic highlighted his ability to fill in at center, left guard, or right guard—all interior spots—making him the quintessential “Swiss Army Knife” for Alabama’s front seven .
Heading into his second year with the Tide, VanDeMark is entrenched in a heated battle with Texas A&M transfer Kam Dewberry for the starting left guard position, opened by Tyler Booker’s departure to the NFL . While Dewberry brings polished experience from 32 games over three seasons, early fall camp reports suggest VanDeMark has the upper hand, often lining up with the first team and immediately meshing in Alabama’s system .
What sets Geno apart is not just mindset but consistency. His snap at left guard against USF in 2024 came with zero pressures allowed and an 86 percent performance grade—further proof he can thrive under high expectations . He’s also praised for absorbing complex schemes and mastering Alabama’s evolving zone-blocking style, gaining confidence in each position he trains for .
Beyond his on-field ability, VanDeMark brings a work-ethic first cultivated at Michigan State under Kapilovic. He quickly embraced Alabama’s culture of relentless effort, calling practices “the hardest I’ve ever been through”—a mindset that suits the Crimson Tide standards perfectly .
Depth at center and guard remains vital to Alabama’s hopes for interior strength. With Parker Brailsford firmly locked in at center and Jaeden Roberts anchoring right guard, the left guard decision shapes both starting five and critical rotational depth. VanDeMark is already penciled in as the top reserve at multiple spots essential for maintaining rhythm should an injury or fatigue arise .
In sum, Geno VanDeMark’s return for a second Alabama season brings more than just eligibility he brings versatility, poise and readiness to step in whenever, wherever needed. Whether he wins the starting left guard job outright or serves as a dependable swing interior lineman, his presence elevates Alabama’s offensive front depth and positions the Tide to compete for big goals in 2025.
