The Alabama football program is gearing up for another strong run in the Fall of 2024. The Crimson Tide have a revamped squad under the leadership of new head coach Kalen DeBoer. One member, offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, left Alabama for the Iowa football squad but later returned. Proctor broke his silence on the move, telling his side of an eventful offseason.
Kadyn Proctor on hiatus and return to Alabama football
During his first season at Alabama, Kadyn Proctor was an All-American offensive tackle. However, his tremendous success was initially not enough to keep him in Tuscaloosa. Proctor grew up outside of Des Moines, Iowa, and when former head coach Nick Saban retired, the star OL decided to transfer to the Iowa football program.
The roster influx Alabama experienced did not help either, so Proctor was determined to continue his collegiate career elsewhere. Yet, after extensive reflection, Proctor realized that Alabama was the best place for him. He felt he made a mistake and expressed his regret in leaving.
“I definitely regret it,” Proctor said, via 247 Sports. “It's probably one of the worst decisions that I've made in my life. Because, looking back, I had so many people that cared for me here and were trying to tell me that this was the best place for me, and I really wasn't thinking it through. I let Coach [Kalen] DeBoer and the staff talk to me, trying to convince me to stay, but I wasn't really sitting there and listening to them. I was just so hell bent on going back home, no one was going to change my mind.”
“Even my parents told me that, but they were like, ‘OK, you're going to find out for yourself.' And that's exactly what happened. I gave them credit. I said, ‘You're right.' Nothing else I can do but say you're right and I made a mistake,” Proctor revealed.
Kadyn Proctor eventually returned to Alabama and let his teammates know that he was all in.
“I'm sorry for not hearing y'all out,” Proctor said. “I'm ready to get back and do everything for this team.”
Alabama ready to hit the ground running
The Crimson Tide finished the 2023-24 season with a 12-2 overall record after a tremendous end to the year. Alabama advanced to the SEC Championship and took on the former No. 1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Nick Saban's squad stunningly beat Georgia 27-24 and thus, earned a trip to the College Football Playoff.
Alabama's challenges got even steeper when they took on the undefeated Michigan Wolverines for a chance to advance to the national title game. The Crimson Tide lost 27-20 though, which marked the end of their season. The defeat also marked the last time longtime head coach Nick Saban would coach the storied program.
Saban retired after 17 years with the team, amassing nine SEC titles and six national championships. Saban's shoes are hard to fill, but former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer has what it takes to help the Crimson Tide remain a national force.
It will be interesting to see how Alabama fares as they approach a pivotal 2024-25 season.
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