Alabama OT details how a better mental focus helped him dominate LSU

Will McLelland - USA TODAY Sports

Louisiana State University had one of the best defensive fronts in college football entering last week against Alabama.

Bradyn Swinson and Sai’vion Jones, both seniors, are two of the best defensive ends in the Southeastern Conference — combining for 12.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hurries, five pass breakups, and four forced fumbles.

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Neither of the two had a sack of Jalen Milroe at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. Milroe, the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback, ran all over LSU for 185 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 12 carries in a 42-13 victory for the Tide. Kadyn Proctor, a sophomore for Alabama, highlighted the performance of the Tide’s offensive line versus the Tigers on Tuesday. 

He was proud of the way his guys performed up front, but he also detailed the reason behind his success.

“My mental, probably,” Proctor said about where he has grown the most as a player. “I would say my mental because last year I would give up sacks and I would get down on myself. I would go home and sulk for a little bit, but then I would try to get back to work. Now, if I give up a sack or a bad play, I’m like I can’t focus on that because it is going to affect how you play.”

The talented left tackle has learned how to play the next play and move on.

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It was a lesson Nick Saban taught him as a freshman, but it has now taken root. 

Proctor dominated his matchup last week, but he has to continue to play at a high level. Alabama is still alive in the College Football Playoff with an opportunity to host a home playoff game if it wins out. It felt good for him not to allow a sack against the Tigers, but we will see if Proctor carries that mentality versus Mercer, Oklahoma, and Auburn to finish the regular season.

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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.