It looks like Kadyn Proctor from Alabama has reclaimed his position at left tackle following a turbulent offseason.
Kadyn Proctor appears to be more at ease these days. With Alabama’s season opener just 10 days away, the left tackle is wrapping up a tumultuous year that saw him go from a frequently criticized starter last season, to a brief transfer to Iowa, and back to Alabama, where a new coaching staff welcomed him.
Now back in his familiar role in Tuscaloosa, Proctor reflected on his January decision to leave Alabama, a move that made headlines during the college football offseason.
“I messed up on that,” Proctor admitted in his second interview since returning to Alabama in April. His first interview, shortly after his return, was with Bama247.
After transferring to Iowa, Proctor gained some perspective and decided by mid-March to return to Alabama, officially transferring back to the Tide weeks later. When asked on Wednesday what advice he’d give teammates considering the transfer portal, Proctor suggested they carefully consider their choices.
“I’d ask them: do you truly believe this is the right decision for you? You need to take a moment to listen to the coaches and what they have to say,” he advised. “It’s a significant change. I’d tell people to sit down, think it through, and talk to those they trust about how they feel.”
Proctor’s biggest regret, as he mentioned to Bama247 in June, was not giving Kalen DeBoer a chance after Alabama hired the Washington coach to replace Nick Saban.
“I had my mind set on leaving and didn’t really listen to what he had to say,” he reiterated on Wednesday.
About a month and a half after returning to Iowa, Proctor realized it wasn’t the right move and began to miss the relationships he had built as a freshman at Alabama.
“I was sitting alone in my apartment and started thinking about the long-lasting relationships I had made,” he said. “I really missed them.”
Upon his return to Alabama, Proctor reconnected with new offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, who had recruited him out of high school while at Michigan State.
“I love him,” Proctor said. “He’s a perfectionist who genuinely wants to see everyone succeed. He’s been great so far.”
However, Proctor didn’t automatically regain his starting left tackle position. During the first week of fall camp, he spent much of his time with the second-team offense, only occasionally rotating into first-team reps.
“I knew I wouldn’t get my spot back just by returning. Everyone has to earn their place,” he said. “Last year, I didn’t get the starting job until fall camp, so I knew I had to work for it again.”
Over the last two weeks of camp, Proctor has consistently worked with the first-team offense and seems to have reclaimed his spot, with the competition shifting to right tackle. Last season, Proctor started as a freshman but rotated every few series with Elijah Pritchett due to an ongoing battle in fall camp.
“Mentally, last year was a bit up and down, but now I feel confident in what I’m doing,” he said on Wednesday.
Despite being listed at 369 pounds on the 2024 roster, Proctor clarified he’s actually at 365 pounds, about the same as last season. However, he noted a difference in muscle mass and how he’s been nourishing his body.
Proctor, who was a freshman All-SEC pick last season, faced some challenges, including a torn ligament in his ankle before the Rose Bowl that affected his play in the loss to Michigan. Now fully recovered, Proctor is focusing on improving his performance.
“I was getting beaten off the edge too often and not striking as I used to,” he said. “In practice, I’ve been working on getting that punch on and following the guys instead of giving up my edge. I’m focusing on pass sets, getting faster, and reaching my spot quicker.”
The Iowa native was a five-star recruit in 2023 who initially committed to the Hawkeyes before flipping to Alabama. Despite spurning Iowa twice and leaving Alabama once, Proctor isn’t concerned about criticism on social media.
“I don’t really care what people think,” he said. “People will talk, but they’ve never been in my position. I’m not worried about it.”
Tuscaloosa is increasingly feeling like home for Proctor.
“The longer I’m away from home, the more comfortable I feel here,” he said. “I’m obviously away from my family, but there are sacrifices you have to make to be happy.”
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