Kadyn Proctor seems to be at ease these days. With Alabama football’s season opener just 10 days away, the left tackle is wrapping up a turbulent 12 months. During that time, he went from being a frequently criticized starter last season to a brief transfer to Iowa, before ultimately returning to the Crimson Tide, where a new coaching staff welcomed him back.
Now comfortably back in his old position at his “home away from home” in Tuscaloosa, Proctor reflected on his decision in January to leave Alabama, a move that made headlines during the college football offseason.
“I messed up on that,” Proctor admitted during his second interview since returning to Alabama in April. Earlier this summer, he spoke to Bama247 in his first interview after rejoining the team.
After his transfer to Iowa and his decision by mid-March to leave the Hawkeyes, Kadyn Proctor has gained valuable insight. He officially transferred back to Alabama just weeks later. When asked on Wednesday what advice he would give to teammates considering entering the transfer portal, Proctor shared some words of wisdom.
“I would ask them: do you truly believe this is the right move for you? You need to take a step back and give the coaches a chance. Sit down, listen to what they have to say, and really consider their words,” he advised. “It’s a big change, no doubt. I would tell people to really take the time to think it through. Talk to people you trust and let them know how you’re feeling.”
Proctor revealed to Bama247 in June that his biggest regret was not giving Kalen DeBoer a chance after Alabama hired the Washington coach to replace Nick Saban.
“I had already made up my mind to leave and didn’t really listen to what he had to say,” Proctor reiterated on Wednesday.
About a month and a half after returning to Iowa, Proctor realized it wasn’t the right decision and began reflecting on the relationships he had built as a freshman at Alabama.
“I was sitting alone in my apartment up there, just thinking about it,” he said. “Those are relationships that will last a long time, and I missed them.”
Upon returning to Alabama, Proctor reconnected with the new offensive line coach, Chris Kapilovic, who had recruited him out of high school when he was at Michigan State.
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