Now’s the moment for Kadyn Proctor to take his game to its peak.

The left tackle spot at the University of Alabama has long been a cornerstone position, producing players who leave a lasting mark on the program’s legacy. Now, it’s Kadyn Proctor’s turn to cement his place in that lineage by reaching his full potential. He arrived in Tuscaloosa carrying some of the highest expectations in recent memory, yet it still feels like he hasn’t fully lived up to them. Part of the reason may be that he hasn’t consistently shown that mean, relentless edge that turns good offensive tackles into legends.

As a freshman, Proctor faced a steep learning curve—jumping from Iowa high school football straight into the starting lineup in the SEC. There were growing pains, no doubt, but by the end of the 2023 season, it looked like things were finally clicking. That’s why it was such a shock when he briefly left for Iowa. After his return to Alabama, he got back in shape, rebuilt his teammates’ trust, and reestablished his place on the line. Still, something in his game feels untapped. He flashes greatness, but hasn’t reached it consistently—whether due to his own mentality, the coaching, or both. Sometimes a player’s best is only unlocked when the right buttons are pushed, and with a second year in Kalen DeBoer’s offense alongside a true offensive coordinator, Proctor has the chance to make that leap from good to great.

One of last season’s biggest frustrations was the offense’s inability to establish a steady run game outside of Jalen Milroe’s legs. Without the physical edge needed to dominate at the line of scrimmage, Alabama struggled to create consistent rushing lanes. Fans blamed the lack of running back touches, but that may have stemmed from the staff’s lack of confidence in the offensive line’s ability to control the point of attack—a trademark of Alabama football.

That mindset has to change, and it starts with Proctor. Offensive lines often take on the identity of their best player, and if Proctor leads with a “dog” mentality, the rest will follow. Becoming that dominant, imposing force won’t just supercharge the run game—it will also help stabilize the passing attack, particularly on the right side. Quarterback play will always spark debate, but for me, the 2025 Alabama offense begins with Kadyn Proctor. If he sets the tone, the rest of the unit—and the season—will follow.