Former Michigan State OL Geno VanDeMark Commits to Alabama

© Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama landed its second transfer commitment of the weekend when Michigan State offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark announced he would be joining the Tide on Saturday. Penn State safety King Mack pledged to join Kalen DeBoer and Alabama on Friday.

VanDeMark brings experience to Alabama's young offensive line, which while talented lacks experience. After losing Seth McLaughlin, TJ Ferguson and James Brockermeyer to the transfer portal and JC Latham to the NFL Draft, depth and experience on the offensive line became an area of concern. The addition of VanDeMark will help alleviate that concern.

Who is Geno VanDeMark?

VanDeMark is a 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive lineman who played his high school ball at St. Joseph Regional in Montvale, NJ. Geno came out of high school as a four-star and the number one offensive line prospect in New Jersey.

VanDeMark played in 18 games and started 8 during his time as a Michigan State Spartan. Last season he started 6 games at right guard playing a total of 284 offensive snaps. VanDeMark likely would have started every game last season if not for multiple injuries.

Geno VanDeMark will reunite with his former offensive line coach, Chris Kapilovic, who now holds the same position at Alabama.

Scouting Geno VanDeMark

VanDeMark brings versatility to the interior offensive line being able to play both guard positions and center. Geno has good size and power with flashes of athleticism when pulling. Overall VanDeMark is a solid interior lineman but after missing four games to injury last season there could be concern about his durability.

Geno VanDeMark comes into Tuscaloosa with two years of eligibility remaining.

Impact on Alabama

VanDeMark's versatility will allow him to play at any of Alabama's interior offensive line positions. With the center position in dire need of depth, there is speculation that VanDeMark could be utilized in that position. Parker Brailsford transferred in from Washington presumably to be the starting center but missed all of spring practice due to undisclosed reasons. James Brockermeyer who was the backup center last season left Alabama for TCU via the transfer portal leaving only true freshman Joseph Ionata behind Brailsford on the depth chart. With Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts returning at guard, utilizing VanDeMark at center seems to be the most likely outcome.

How Soon will Geno VanDeMark Contribute?

VanDeMark will join the offensive line rotation immediately. While he likely won't be a starter, Geno will provide much-needed depth and should see playing time at all three interior line positions as a rotational player. Expect VanDeMark to primarily be the backup at center while providing help at both guard positions in a rotational role this season.