Alabama Football: Crimson Tide’s five most important freshmen

Alabama Football Freshman no. 1: Kadyn Proctor

Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor could be a huge difference-maker in a position group that has not been a strength for Alabama since 2020. The offensive line has had well-documented struggles over each of the past two seasons, but the 2023 group has a different feel to it.

Junior J.C. Latham and sophomore Tyler Booker return to lead the line, and seniors Seth McLaughlin and Darrian Dalcourt will do battle at the center position for the third straight year.

Bama will have some experienced pieces on the line, but much of the room will be filled with new faces. A mass exodus via graduation and the transfer portal left the room temporarily gutted following the 2022 regular season, but Alabama reloaded with five new offensive linemen in its 2023 recruiting class.

These freshmen could all have the opportunity to compete for snaps, but Proctor has the best chance of the bunch. The 5-star tackle was ranked as a top-10 player in the country, and the no. 1 tackle in the class. He was a late addition to Bama’s loaded ‘23 haul, flipping from his longtime commitment to Iowa just days before signing day.

Proctor is a massive lineman that could contribute immediately at guard or tackle, and could be the missing link in the Alabama offensive line.

If this unit can become dominant once again, the potential for Alabama football in 2023 is limitless.