Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor should be in line for a sizable leap in his junior season with the Crimson Tide. He has emerged as one of the team's leaders, as evidenced by his appearance alongside Deontae Lawson and Tim Keenan III at SEC Media Days with Kalen DeBoer. He also happens to be a freaky athlete, with eye-opening athleticism as noted by The Athletic's Bruce Feldman in his annual freaks list.
Proctor has always been a guy with unbelievable raw ability. He was a 5-star prospect out of high school in Iowa and started at Alabama as a true freshman at left tackle. He took some lumps along the way, but it has led him to this point. Now, he's an experienced junior with technique that is catching up with his raw skill.
You don't have to listen to me tell it. Instead, listen to the words of Alabama senior guard Geno VanDeMark, who had effusive praise of his teammate when talking to the media on Monday. VanDeMark is in competition with Kam Dewberry for the vacant LG job, which would line him up right next to Proctor.
"He's taken another step to being that elite left tackle that you're going to see on Sundays," VanDeMark said about Proctor. "I think he's done a great job, you know, at just being like vocal, being the same guy every day...When you go out there and play next to him, he's playing hard. It's awesome to see that."
Kadyn Proctor's weight shouldn't be a concern with his freaky athleticism
Proctor has had plenty of criticism about carrying too much weight during his Tide career, criticism that continued at SEC Media Days. But according to VanDeMark, that's not a concern because Proctor is a special athlete.
"He's a freaky athlete. I hate to admit this and put this out there - it might hurt my stock, but help his - he is faster than me.
It's insane the things Proctor can do at a listed 366 pounds. He's quick, agile, and he's got a ridiculous vertical jump for a man his size. While he admitted at SEC Media Days that he would like to slim down a little bit before the season, it shouldn't be a concern to Alabama fans if he doesn't. He's comfortable carrying the weight he does, and still looks pretty lean for a man of his stature.
A lot is expected out of Proctor and Alabama's offensive line in 2025. It could be a strength of this team, which would be helpful as the Crimson Tide breaks in a new starter at QB.