Kadyn Proctor is one of the most talented football players in the country. His ceiling is Top 5 in the NFL Draft, but he has struggled to reach that immense ceiling in Tuscaloosa. He's typically good, but has lapses that keep him from being the dominant left tackle he should be.
Things have begun clicking for Proctor, however, and over the last two weeks, he's played a pissed off brand of football. He's playing like he has something to prove after an uneven start to his junior season.
The Alabama coaches have found surprising motivation to pull the best out of Proctor: a skill package for the 360-pounder.
In two consecutive games, OC Ryan Grubb has chosen to put the ball in Proctor's enormous hands in critical situations.
Against Georgia, it was a screen pass - ruled a run - in the red zone late in the first half of a three-point game. Proctor secured the football and barrelled down to the two-yard line for an 11-yard gain that set up a Ty Simpson rushing touchdown.
Last week against Vanderbilt, Proctor lined up at fullback and took a hand-off on a 3rd-and-1 in the 4th quarter with the Tide clinging to a six-point lead. Proctor moved the chains, ultimately leading to a Connor Talty field goal that finally gave Alabama a two-possession lead over the Commodores.
Proctor's package has become such a staple that they even have a name for it. According to Ty Simpson, Alabama calls it the "Krispy" package. Krispy like Krispy Kreme. For the heathens among us, that's a popular donut chain. Simpson says the package is called that because, well, Proctor eats a lot of donuts.
"He said his nickname is Krispy Kreme," Simpson said. "Krispy. All the donuts he eats. Don't tell him I said that."
Alabama's 'Krispy Kreme' with Kadyn Proctor has been effective
It's clear that Proctor is a guy that Grubb and Kalen DeBoer trust immensely. They wouldn't put the ball in his hands in pivotal situations if they didn't. It's a fun package that has been effective. It's also clearly served as a motivating factor for Proctor, who has played arguably his best football in an Alabama uniform over the last couple of weeks.
If he's been eating a lot of donuts, it doesn't look like it. Proctor has done a great job slimming down in season after coming into the year a bit heavier than optimal. The lost weight is what has earned him the opportunities with the ball in his hands.
What's next for the 'Krispy' package? If Proctor has anything to say about it, maybe he'll get to throw the football next.