Proctor 'definitely' regrets brief departure from Alabama
Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor expressed remorse after a whirlwind offseason in which he transferred to Iowa before having a change of heart and returning to Tuscaloosa.
"I definitely regret it," Proctor told Bama 247's Alex Scarborough. "It's probably one of the worst decisions that I've made in my life. Because, looking back, I had so many people that cared for me here and were trying to tell me that this was the best place for me, and I really wasn't thinking it through. I let Coach (Kalen) DeBoer and the staff talk to me, trying to convince me to stay, but I wasn't really sitting there and listening to them.
"I was just so hell-bent on going back home, no one was going to change my mind."
After a difficult discussion with his parents, Proctor met with former Alabama head coach Nick Saban after the team's Rose Bowl loss, who attempted to convince him that he was a big part of the Crimson Tide's future. The 19-year-old explained that he felt blindsided when Saban announced his retirement after seeing no indication that the legendary coach would walk away from the game.
"I wish he would have told me because he convinced me to stay and then a week later he leaves, and that had my emotions all in a mix," Proctor said.
The 6-foot-7, 360-pound offensive tackle said he made the emotional decision to enter the transfer portal, ignoring the advice of his parents and DeBoer in the process. Proctor also noted that he'd remain with the school if Saban didn’t retire after last season.
Nearly a month and a half after his decision, the 6-foot-7, 360-pound offensive tackle began to feel like he made a rash decision in leaving Alabama. After hearing about how DeBoer's staff instituted new changes across the program, the Iowa native began to explore rejoining the Crimson Tide. He ultimately decided to re-enter the transfer portal intending to return to Alabama.
Despite his brief stint with Iowa, Proctor revealed that he still receives "nasty messages" from the school's fanbase about his decision. He denies allegations that his decision to return to Alabama was made because of NIL compensation.
"I don't know why people think I left for money because I took a huge pay cut just for my happiness and for my development," he said.
A five-star prospect in high school, Proctor exceeded expectations during his freshman year at Alabama. He started all 13 games at left tackle for the Crimson Tide and was on the field for 743 snaps. He was named to the All-SEC freshman team before entering the transfer portal.
After sustaining an ankle injury before the Rose Bowl, Proctor says he's healthy both physically and mentally ahead of his sophomore campaign. With fellow starting offensive tackle JC Latham being selected in the first round of last month's NFL draft, the Crimson Tide are optimistic that Proctor can anchor their offensive line in the post-Saban era.