Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is unsure about Kadyn Proctor’s status for Saturday against South Florida.
The talented left tackle suffered a left shoulder injury in pregame warmups versus Western Kentucky.
RELATED: Will Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor play against USF?
Elijah Pritchett replaced him in a 63-0 victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium as Proctor’s shoulder was in a sling. DeBoer stated to reporters in Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference that Proctor has ‘aspirations to get on the field as fast as possible.’
He has been in the training room throughout the week, but DeBoer wants to be careful with the sophomore.
If Proctor does not go versus the Bulls, the Crimson Tide’s other options are below.
1. Elijah Pritchett
Elijah Pritchett, a redshirt freshman, is Proctor’s primary backup at left tackle.
He is No. 1 to start at left tackle this weekend if Proctor cannot go. The 6-foot-6, 327-pounder had good moments versus the Hilltoppers, but he had a couple of rough ones too. Chris Kapilovic, Alabama’s offensive line coach, did enjoy Pritchett’s confidence growing when he excelled on plays. More reps will be pivotal for him in this long season of college football.
“He takes reps all the time at left tackle too,” Kapilovic said about Pritchett.
“There was not hesitation, he jumped in before I could even grab him. He was ready to go.”
Pritchett took every rep at left tackle in spring practice when Proctor was not at Alabama.
“He got confidence throughout the spring,” Kapilovic said. “He got better each day. He’s had some bumps and bruises in camp with his ankle and different things, but we are just trying to get those reps. When he does things successfully, you can see it in his face. He starts believing in himself and getting that confidence. All those reps are critical.”
2. Miles McVay
Miles McVay, a redshirt freshman, came in Alabama’s vaunted 2023 offensive line class.
The East St. Louis (Ill.) native got reps at left tackle in fall camp. He played in four games last year, so he does have some experience if he is needed. McVay is an imposing force at 6’6″ and 342 pounds.
3. Wilkin Formby
Wilkin Formby, a redshirt freshman, can play right or left tackle.
He had a successful season opener, helping Alabama rush for 300-plus yards and six touchdowns.
Formby, a Tuscaloosa (Ala.) native, got the key blocks on touchdown runs from Justice Haynes (85 yards) and Jam Miller (39 yards) against Western Kentucky. The 6-foot-7, 324-pounder is growing in confidence in terms of mauling defenders.
4. Tyler Booker
Tyler Booker, a junior, can play every position on the offensive line.
He was a tackle in high school as a five-star player. Booker had reps at center in the summer and reps at tackle in the spring, according to Coach Kapilovic. Kapilovic said the Tide is exploring all options right now with Proctor trying to get healthy.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
