It has been a great season for Alabama’s offensive line so far. QB Ty Simpson has been protected well, and it’s a nightmare for any team to face Bama’s O-line. One big reason for that is the left tackle Kadyn Proctor, who has put up some very strong numbers this season. But this hasn’t stopped him from being criticized, not for his performances but for his weight.

A team’s offensive line needs to be comprised of big men so that they can protect the QB. But sometimes, players go overboard on the weight, sacrificing their mobility. And that is exactly the case with Proctor, who found himself at the center of criticism despite impressive performances. In a post on X, Mike Rodak revealed that Kadyn told the SEC network that he was contacted by Alabama alumni Tyler Booker and JC Latham, who told him that his weight was becoming an issue because he wasn’t playing fast enough for NFL standards.

The post read, “Kadyn Proctor told SEC Network that Tyler Booker and JC Latham called him after the Florida State loss and told him he wasn’t playing fast enough. Proctor’s also heard that NFL teams’ “only concern is my weight,” which he said was 400+ pounds as a freshman. He’s down to 356.2 pounds this week, Dave Ballou told SEC Network”. It seems that Kadyn took the words of Bama’s legends seriously, as he dropped from 400+ pounds to 356 in just seven weeks, which is a massive weight cut of almost 50 pounds.

This is not an easy task, especially on such a short window. The normal weight range for an NFL left tackle is about 305-340 lbs. That is because the position demands the protection of a QB’s blind side and the opening up of the running lanes. So, a missed tackle could mean strip-sack, fumble, or injury. Against Florida State, Kadyn Proctor allowed six pressures, which included a sack.

In that game, it was clear to see that Kadyn Proctor was struggling with the fast pace of the Seminoles’ defense. Hence, his weight became a talking point. Since then, he has anchored the position well, helping the Crimson Tide to a 5-1 record this season. His weight cut is a sign that he is working towards playing in the NFL.

Kadyn Proctor and Kalen DeBoer have a huge game against Tennessee

Aside from the weight cut, Kadyn Proctor faces another challenge that he must overcome on Saturday. No. 6 Alabama faces No. 11 Tennessee at Bryant-Denny Stadium in what’s shaping up to be a classic SEC showdown. Historically, the matchup has been in Alabama’s favor, thanks to legendary HC Nick Saban.

But Tennessee has won the last two bouts, something that HC Kalen DeBoer will keep in mind. One thing to note is that those two victories came in Knoxville. The last time the Volunteers won at Bryant-Denny was back in 2003. Both teams are 5-1 this season, so a victory on Saturday edges the winner closer to a playoff spot.

DeBoer will don his infamous black hoodie during the game. “Yea, there will be one on,” said DeBoer, confirming his plans on SEC Nation. The Crimson Tide has a 12-2 record whenever the coach has worn the hoodie. It seems like he wants to keep up his superstition, especially for a game of this importance. One other lucky charm for his side would be the fact that Saban confidently picked Alabama to win.