Alabama got an invaluable opportunity to develop its young offensive tackles this offseason when Kadyn Proctor transferred and then returned to Alabama.
Bama’s tackle position is one of the youngest and most inexperienced on the entire roster. Redshirt sophomore Elijah Pritchett is the oldest player in the room while Proctor, a true sophomore, has by far the most game experience.
Wilkin Formby, Miles McVay, and Naquil Betrand are all second-year players who saw little to no action prior to this season. This entire room got extra reps throughout the spring in Proctor’s absence, and that experience will be needed now that Proctor is once again out of the lineup.
Proctor injured his shoulder in warmups of Alabama’s week one game against Western Kentucky and did not play. While it appears he avoided a major long-term injury, it is unknown how much time he will actually miss.
As a result, Bama will need Pritchett and Formby in particular to step up. Formby was impressive throughout the opening night victory over WKU at the right tackle spot. On the blindside, Pritchett missed a few assignments early and must continue to show improvement. If he proves to be a liability, it will become increasingly imperative that Proctor returns to the lineup before SEC play.
Perhaps just as concerning as a potential dropoff at left tackle is Alabama’s lack of depth at the position. Pritchett was expected to serve as the Tide’s third tackle and de facto backup at both tackle spots. With him being thrust into the starting lineup before the season even started, that critical third spot is now a question mark.
Redshirt freshman Miles McVay showed promising strides this offseason and may be the guy, but McVay is almost completely unproven in game situations at this point.
With one more tune-up game before Alabama gets into power conference competition, this is definitely a storyline to keep an eye on.