Mario's world

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- When Alabama sought a new offensive line coach to replace Jeff Stoutland, it wanted a coach who had similar characteristics. And why not? His lines were integral parts of back-to-back national championships during his two-year stint with the Crimson Tide.

Stoutland built what many considered to be the best offensive line in college football last season, and all five starters from that unit are likely to get drafted one day -- and at least three could go in the first round.

So how does a team replace a coach like Stoutland?

Enter Mario Cristobal. Nick Saban wanted a coach who wouldn't be overwhelmed with the task of rebuilding the offensive line, a coach who could handle the pressure at Alabama and a coach who could make a smooth transition both on and off the field.

The former Miami assistant coach faced a much more difficult situation when he accepted the top position at Florida International six years ago. If anything, Cristobal would seem up for the challenge.

"He's a go-getter," Hialeah (Fla.) High School offensive coordinator Dennis Marroquin said. "He means business, and he obviously knows the area down here in South Florida."

Stoutland previously recruited South Florida, and Cristobal will do the same. They also have other similarities. Both coached the Hurricanes before coming to Tuscaloosa, an advantage when it comes to recruiting the area, and both like really big offensive linemen.

Alabama's offensive line in 2012 ranged from 6-foot-3 to 6-6 and from 300 pounds to 330.

Since Cristobal took over in February, the Tide have offered close to 10 offensive line prospects. All the targets are at least 6-3, and the majority have weighed more than 300 pounds. The name might have changed, but the philosophy remains the same.

However, it could be their differences that pay the biggest dividends for Cristobal.

He has shown more energy on the practice field with his position group than they ever had with Stoutland, a trait that stands out to potential recruits.

"When I watched him during the practice, you can tell he knows what he's doing," said Jordan Sims (Homewood, Ala./Homewood), a top in-state recruit for 2014. "He coaches at a high intensity.

"I noticed that he actually does the drill with the offensive line. If they don't follow what he says, he'll hop in there and show them how it's done properly. He doesn't focus on one guy. He's going to look at every offensive lineman and tell them what they need to work on. I think he's a great coach."

Age, too, helps Cristobal see more eye-to-eye with his players and recruits. Cristobal is 42, while Stoutland is 51.

"Coach Cristobal is younger than Coach Stoutland, and you can just relate to him more," Sims said. "He seems more like a friend to you."

But ultimately, Cristobal's hire might have less to do with his age, technique or schemes and more with his ability to recruit in South Florida.

Stoutland spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Miami. That was his only stop in the Sunshine State. Cristobal was born in Miami, played high school football at Christopher Columbus High and won two national championships playing on the Hurricanes' offensive line. And besides three years at Rutgers, Cristobal has spent his entire coaching career in South Florida.

"Most of the people that Coach Saban used to send down had a good relationship with the guys in Florida, but because Cristobal grew up there, coached there and played there, I think that he'll create a stronger bond than they already have," said Nigel Dunn, a former coach in the Miami area.