Alabama tackles getting an opportunity to develop

This offseason has provided a unique opportunity for Alabama to rapidly develop at the tackle position, which was expected to be one of the youngest and least experienced position groups on the roster.

In January, the Tide looked to have very little game experience at tackle. Right tackle JC Latham was off to the NFL Draft, where he would become a first round pick. Left tackle Kadyn Proctor hit the transfer portal and went to his home state school, the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Alabama was slated to return redshirt sophomore Elijah Pritchett, who has limited playing experience and zero career starts. In addition to Pritchett, the Tide had a slew of second-year players with virtually no experience, including redshirt freshmen Wilkin Formby and Miles McVay. 

Entering the spring, it was a non-negotiable for Alabama to get starting-caliber tackles out of the portal. Fortunately, the return of Kadyn Proctor answered a huge question mark on the left side of the line. Additionally, Proctor’s wild offseason journey afforded the Tide a chance to develop its other tackles.

With Proctor out for the spring and kicking off fall camp with the second unit, guys like Pritchett and Formby have gotten invaluable first-team reps throughout the offseason. Pritchett has primarily played left tackle while Formby has manned the right tackle spot. Even Miles McVay, who will likely be a critical reserve tackle in 2024, has gotten increased reps by moving up the pecking order. 

Ideally, Kadyn Proctor will have still made developmental strides on his own this spring. Assuming there is no lost chemistry between him and his other linemates, primarily All-American left guard Tyler Booker, Alabama’s starting offensive line should be much improved this fall. 

With the growth opportunities that Pritchett, Formby, and McVay got in Proctor’s absence, Alabama could also have the depth at tackle that it severely lacked last season. Each of Bama’s top four tackles should be around for at least one more year after 2024, so the future looks very bright at this position as well.