Alabama Football making moves for 5-star OT Kadyn Proctor

Even for Nick Saban, this would be an impressive flip. Alabama football has the nation’s top 2023 recruiting class, and could potentially add one of the best offensive linemen in the cycle in Kadyn Proctor.

For a long time, Alabama football seemed to be on the outside looking in on this recruitment. Proctor, a 5-star tackle and Iowa native, committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes over Alabama back in June. He seemed firmly locked in with the in-state school. Even when buzz would occasionally arise around Proctor potentially wavering from his commitment, it mostly involved the Oregon Ducks, another team that has pursued him heavily.

Now, just five days before National Signing Day, Coach Saban appears to be making a move. Alabama undoubtedly stayed in Proctor’s ear throughout the fall, and this weekend he is in Tuscaloosa for an unofficial visit. Saban is clearly working hard to land the fourth 5-star recruit for Alabama football in the 2023 class.

Even running back commit Richard Young, who has been one of the Tide’s best recruiters this cycle, has made his pitch for Proctor.

Kadyn Proctor has incredible natural ability and near-limitless potential. He is projected to be a future first round NFL Draft selection by 247Sports recruiting analyst Allen Trieu.

Alabama’s pitch almost certainly includes its recent development of three straight first round picks at Proctor’s position in Jedrick Wills (2020), Alex Leatherwood (2021), and, most recently, Evan Neal (2022). While Iowa is no slouch in terms of developing elite offensive linemen, Alabama’s track record has to be appealing.

This is far from a done deal, as Kadyn Proctor is still currently committed to Iowa. If the Bama staff is able to flip him, it would be a massive boost for a roster that has experienced some attrition on the offensive line in recent weeks.

Alabama is particularly thin at tackle heading into 2023. The Crimson Tide already have a good offensive line class in the boat, with commitments from five 4-star linemen, including three that are already on campus.

The addition of Proctor, however, could give Alabama the instant impact player it needs.