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The Tuscaloosa News
How Wilkin Formby became ultimate example in move to Alabama football right guard
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- How Wilkin Formby became ultimate example in move to Alabama football right guard
As Alabama football prepared for its first-round College Football Playoff game against Oklahoma , Ryan Grubb met with his offensive line. And the Crimson Tide offensive coordinator came with a message, something he wanted to make clear.
Wilkin Formby's move to right guard was not a demotion. If anything, it was the opposite.
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Grubb needed Formby inside for the betterment of the interior. He needed Formby inside for the betterment of freshman tackle Michael Carroll .
After Alabama's 34-24 CFP win against the Sooners , one where Formby allowed one pressure inside, Grubb doubled down.
"The starting lineup's the starting lineup," he said. Formby is Alabama 's right guard.
Looking back at the move, one that started early in SEC play and one that became seemingly permanent in the Crimson Tide's first meeting against Oklahoma , Formby admitted it wasn't expected. But it's been smooth. It's something the 6-foot-7, 324-pound lineman didn't hesitate in doing.
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"It's just what they needed," Formby said. "And I'm not going to say no, you know what I mean? I just want to help the team win in any way possible. I'm thankful for any role on this team."
Wilkin Formby sets example for brother
Hayes Formby carries the same mentality as his brother. He started at left tackle for Northridge High School as a senior. He's preparing to play center at UT Martin, but is bringing in experience at all five offensive line spots.
It doesn't matter where. All Hayes Formby wants is the opportunity "to run through people's faces (and) just finish people." And when WIlkin moved to guard, Hayes saw that same example in action.
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"I'm sure he'd rather play tackle, but more or less, he wants to do what's best for the team," Hayes Formby told The Tuscaloosa News.
Hayes has been in Wilkin's shoes, admittedly on a much smaller scale.
As an offensive lineman at Northridge, Hayes Formby said there's not much of a difference in playing tackle versus guard. Guards are much more active, Hayes said. They pull a lot more instead of a down block outside.
It's what Wilkin Formby has seen, too. There's something about being inside, he said. There's a physicality, a nastiness it takes to be successful.
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It's worked. In his last five games, most of which has been spent inside, Formby has allowed five pressures in 312 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
"He's been that aggressor that we need in there," Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor said.
Hayes Formby sees the bigger picture with his brother's move.
Dec 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Hayes Formby signed to play football for UT Martin during a ceremony at Northridge High School. Hayes poses for a photo with University of Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor and Wilkin Formby, his brother.
Wilkin Formby may be a tackle, Hayes said. But he's a tackle who has "mastered guard," one whose versatility can separate himself from the rest of the pack in the eyes of an NFL scout.
But it's even bigger than that. In Wilkin Formby's move, Hayes sees an example, one he aims to follow at the next level.
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"You are going to be able to take you as far as you want," Hayes Formby said. "Nothing's going to be able to hold you back. And you're going to be able to look back and say, 'Wow, I made it so far,' or, 'I should have done more.'
"It's not on anyone else. It's on me to get where I want to be."
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Wilkin Formby became ultimate example in move on Alabama football OL
