How Alabama is Approaching Tackle Position with Kadyn Proctor Limited in Spring

As Alabama prepares for the 2025 football season, one of the most critical areas of focus is the offensive line. The Alabama Crimson Tide has been known for having one of the most dominant offensive lines in the country, and maintaining that standard is essential for the team’s continued success in the SEC and on the national stage. However, this year, Alabama faces a unique challenge in the tackle position with the limited availability of their highly touted recruit, Kadyn Proctor, during spring practices. Proctor, a five-star freshman who many believe will be a cornerstone of Alabama’s offensive line for years to come, is currently working through some limitations in the spring, and this has led to some adjustments in how the coaching staff is approaching the tackle position.

This article will take a deep dive into how Alabama is addressing the tackle position with Proctor’s limitations in spring, examining how the coaching staff is making adjustments, evaluating the depth at tackle, and considering how this may impact the team heading into the 2025 season.

Kadyn Proctor: A Highly Anticipated Freshman

Kadyn Proctor comes to Alabama as one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the 2024 class. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive tackle from Iowa is known for his incredible size, strength, and athleticism. Proctor was a consensus five-star recruit and is expected to be a cornerstone of Alabama’s offensive line for years to come. His ability to dominate defenders in the run game, as well as his potential as a pass protector, made him one of the top recruits in the country.

Proctor’s arrival in Tuscaloosa was met with great excitement. Alabama’s offensive line has consistently been a strong point for the program, and the addition of Proctor promised to further bolster that strength. As a freshman, Proctor was expected to come in and compete for a starting spot, potentially even at left tackle, a position that has been a revolving door of talent in recent years for Alabama. Given his physical tools and high ceiling, many believed Proctor could make an immediate impact.

However, Proctor’s spring practices have been limited, which has presented challenges for the Alabama coaching staff. While it’s unclear exactly what has caused the limitation—whether it’s a minor injury, recovery from a previous issue, or simply a precautionary approach by the team—the fact remains that Proctor’s limited availability puts a slight delay in his development. The spring is typically a critical time for freshmen to get acclimated to college football and compete for spots in the starting lineup. With Proctor unable to fully participate, Alabama has had to shift its strategy at the tackle position.

The Tackle Position Without Proctor’s Full Participation

With Proctor limited, the competition at tackle has shifted. The coaching staff must now focus on utilizing the available players and adjusting to the absence of one of their most promising recruits during spring practices. Let’s take a closer look at the situation Alabama finds itself in.

1. Evaluating the Veterans

While Alabama has high hopes for Proctor, it is important to remember that the Crimson Tide still boasts a wealth of experience on the offensive line. Several veterans return for the 2025 season and will play key roles in anchoring the line. These players will be counted on to not only perform at a high level but also provide leadership to the younger players, particularly those like Proctor who are still in the early stages of their college careers.

J.C. Latham, who played extensively at tackle in the past, has the potential to be one of the team’s leaders on the offensive line in 2025. Latham, a junior, is a powerful and physical presence who has the size, strength, and technique to dominate defenders. He has the ability to lock down the right tackle spot and could even be a candidate for left tackle if the coaching staff needs to make adjustments with Proctor’s limited participation.

Another key veteran is Tyler Booker, who has been a versatile lineman for Alabama. Though Booker is primarily a guard, his ability to play across multiple positions could see him shift to tackle if necessary. His experience and high level of play would make him a valuable asset in this scenario, particularly if the coaching staff wants to ensure that the tackle spots are well-covered.

Lastly, Amari Kight is a player who has seen some time in previous seasons and could be a potential candidate to step up. While not as well-known as Latham or Booker, Kight has shown flashes of potential and could be ready to seize a starting role if Proctor’s development is delayed.

With these veterans, Alabama has some solid options to work with in the tackle spots. Their experience is a key factor in the team’s ability to weather Proctor’s limited participation during spring.

2. Depth and Young Talent at Tackle

Aside from the veterans, Alabama has also recruited some talented young players who are expected to compete for tackle spots. While many of these players may not have the same level of experience as Latham or Booker, their physical tools and potential are certainly intriguing.

Caden Proctor’s development, though delayed, still provides Alabama with a high-ceiling player who could contribute in the fall if he fully recovers. However, beyond Proctor, there are other younger players who could see their stock rise in spring practices, such as Miles McVay, another talented freshman who could find himself competing for playing time at tackle if Proctor’s absence extends into the summer months.

Jaden Roberts, a sophomore offensive lineman, could also be in the mix for a starting role at tackle. While Roberts may not have seen much playing time in the past, his raw talent and physicality could be enough to earn him a starting spot if he performs well during the spring.

The depth at tackle provides Alabama with options, but it also adds a level of uncertainty. While there is talent, the young players will need to show that they are ready to step up and contribute in the highly competitive SEC. If Proctor’s development is delayed, the younger players will need to show that they can handle the challenges of playing against some of the best defensive players in the country.

3. Offensive Line Coach Eric Wolford’s Strategy

Alabama offensive line coach Eric Wolford has built a reputation for developing talent and creating competitive battles within his position group. With Proctor limited, Wolford has had to adjust his strategy to ensure that the offensive line is still prepared for the demands of the upcoming season.

Wolford will likely focus on developing cohesion among the offensive line and ensuring that the group works together as a unit. The tackle position will be a focal point, but Wolford will also need to ensure that other areas of the line, such as the interior positions, are solidified. Given the depth of talent on the roster, Wolford will likely emphasize versatility and the ability of his players to rotate between different spots.

Challenges and Opportunities for Alabama

The limited participation of Proctor in the spring is a challenge for Alabama, but it also presents opportunities. The challenge is obvious—without Proctor, the team has to make adjustments in spring practice, and that includes ensuring that the tackle positions are solidified with the existing talent. Alabama’s offensive line will need to adjust to having Proctor develop at a slower pace, especially given the program’s high standards and desire to stay competitive.

However, the opportunity comes in the form of flexibility and competition. Players like Latham, Booker, and Kight will have a chance to prove themselves in the spring and potentially earn starting spots. The competition for the tackle position will foster growth and improvement, and the best players will ultimately rise to the top. Additionally, this situation allows for younger players to take on more responsibility and gain invaluable experience, which could be crucial as the season progresses.

Ultimately, Alabama’s ability to adjust in the spring and prepare for the 2025 season will depend on how well the team can develop depth at tackle and how quickly Proctor can recover and integrate into the team. The coaches will need to keep the momentum going with or without Proctor’s full participation, ensuring that the offensive line remains a strength of the team. If the Crimson Tide can find a balance and develop their offensive line effectively, they will be positioned to remain among the best teams in the nation.