The University of Alabama signed a top-ranked recruiting class in the 2023 cycle.
Nick Saban has some freshmen that will have an opportunity to play.
RELATED: Alabama fans blown away by freshman OL Kadyn Proctor’s massive size
One of those young names may be on the offensive line as a five-star is prepared to take flight. Cameron “Cam” Robinson, a former five-star from Louisiana, was the last true freshman to start at left tackle for the Crimson Tide in 2014.
He started three years there, helping Alabama’s offense to three consecutive Southeastern Conference Championships (2014-16) and a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2015. He blocked for two 1,000+ yard running backs — Derrick Henry and Damien Harris — and a 2,000+ yard rusher (Henry) in 2015. Robinson cleared the way for Henry to total 2,219 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns, propelling him to be the second running back in school history to win the Heisman Memorial Trophy.
Kadyn Proctor eyes a chance to start at left tackle. The 6-foot-7, 360-pounder is a sight to behold. He is a massive specimen with power, footwork, and a willingness to learn. Proctor, an Iowa native, flipped to the Tide from the Hawkeyes in recruiting.
RELATED: Alabama freshman OL Kadyn Proctor is ‘going to be one of those ones’
He enrolled early for spring practice and performed well in fall camp. Proctor is battling Elijah Pritchett for the left tackle spot and provides a marquee upside. He brings the size, wingspan, and confidence that Saban likes in a left tackle. Eric Wolford, Alabama’s offensive line coach, is getting everyone to play with more physicality and aggression. It is not easy to start as a freshman, but a veteran lineman sees a marquee trait in Proctor that will navigate him to become a starter up front.
“It is a big role to come in as a freshman and compete for a starting left tackle spot at the University of Alabama,” Seth McLaughlin said Monday about Proctor. “It is a hard thing even for older guys to do it. I have been proud of how he’s been taking things in stride. He’s been coachable. We have helped him out. He does not have an ‘I know everything’ mentality and he’s taking coaching points from everybody. I am proud of the way he’s progressed in camp.”
Proctor’s coachability is a crucial trait. He has the physical tools, but being coachable puts him in a position where he listens to Coach Saban and others. His ability to listen, process, and apply gives him a chance to take a starting job.
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
