Kadyn Proctor explains decision to transfer to Iowa from Alabama

A ton of players have hit the exits in Tuscaloosa, leaving Alabama once Nick Saban decided to retire. Some have hurt more than others, with one of those certainly being Kadyn Proctor. He spent the entire 2023 season as the starting left tackle and despite some early season struggles, Proctor grew into the role by the Rose Bowl.

But ultimately, he entered the NCAA transfer portal and put himself on the open market. Proctor’s time there did not last too long, quickly committing to the hometown Iowa Hawkeyes — the team that finished second during his high school recruitment.

While attending Saturday’s men’s basketball game against Purdue, Proctor explained his decision to commit to Iowa. While some fans were originally upset he committed to Alabama, there were no burned bridges with the Iowa staff. They were there for him during some freshman struggles and keeping the relationship paid off.

“No bridges were burned,” Proctor said. “So, that’s why it was so easy for me to pick them when I did enter the transfer portal because we still have those relationships. Even after I was doing bad in the SEC and struggling, they hit me up and said ‘We’re proud of you, you’re going to get through this.’ That’s ultimately what helped me with my decision. They still believed in me.”

Proctor played in every game for Alabama this season, never moving off his starting job at left tackle. He will go into the offseason with an injury, suffering a torn ligament in his right ankle ahead of the College Football Playoff against Michigan. It’s something Iowa will have to work on with him.

“Trying to treat it all week,” Proctor said to AL.com following the Rose Bowl. “Today, tried to shoot it up. It felt good. It felt good today, played the whole game I’m proud I played the whole game with me injured.

“We’ve had some long meetings. Had long talks with our doctors and trying to figure out a good plan for us to get me on the field as fast as we can. We put a good plan together. The doctors did a great job.”

Hopefully healthy by the beginning of the 2024 season, Proctor could be part of what Iowa hopes is an improved offense. Whether he is dropping into pass protection or attempting to run the ball, there should be significant strides made as a sophomore.

Iowa will just be thankful he will be wearing their colors instead of still working in Tuscaloosa.