There’s plenty of interesting position battles during Kalen DeBoer’s first preseason camp as Alabama football’s head coach. However, one of the more intriguing spots is on the offensive line.
Kadyn Proctor returned after a brief sojourn to Iowa. He started every game at left tackle for the Crimson Tide last season as a freshman and will likely slot in there again.
Opposite him is where the question is, with a competition brewing between Elijah Pritchett and Wilkin Formby as camp begins. On Wednesday, after the Tide’s first practice, DeBoer had nice things to say about both players.
“Pritchett took a lot of reps,” DeBoer said. “He had a nice day. I thought Wilkin did a nice job. So a lot of mixing and matching, especially at the tackle position, I guess. The interior three was pretty consistent. But their reps are gonna be really critical for our success and them gelling.”
Proctor transferred to Iowa after the 2023 season ended, heading back to his home state in the process. However, after a short period with the Hawkeyes, he announced his intent to enter the portal again, and returned to Alabama.
DeBoer praised the sophomore’s progress to the start of camp.
“I don’t have a huge understanding of what he was a year ago, other than watching it on film, but it feels like he’s in really good shape and lean,” DeBoer said. “When you ask people who would have an understanding, coach (David) Ballou and so forth, it’d be nothing but positive about the progress he’s made.
“Strength and explosive numbers I know are up. That’s facts. That’s real. And then also, just the way his body looks leaner. He’s just so dense and has got so much mass, he’s gonna be big no matter what. Loved his demeanor out there, it’s good to have him back.”
Alabama returns to the practice field on Thursday to continue camp. The Crimson Tide opens the season Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky.
