“It was Christmas” - Alabama OL coach Chris Kapilovic expresses excitement about getting Kadyn Proctor back at Crimson Tide

The return of Kadyn Proctor to the Alabama football program was cherished by Crimson Tide loyalists, including Chris Kapilovic, their new offensive line coach. He described Proctor’s return as a moment of pure joy.

Last season, the 6-foot-7 athlete featured in all 14 games as a true freshman left tackle for Alabama. After Nick Saban's retirement in January, Proctor transferred to Iowa via the portal.

He was initially committed to the Hawkeyes as a high school senior before flipping to Alabama. Talking with Tide 100.9, Alabama’s OL coach said:

"You remember when you were about 5 or 6 years old and it's Christmas Day and you wake up and saw all those presents under the tree? That's what it felt like."

In April, Proctor decided to return to the Crimson Tide.

"He came back here ready to work," Kapilovic said. "He's getting after it in the weight room and on the field. I almost want to say he's been humbled a little bit by the experience and appreciative to be back here."

Kapilovic praised Proctor's work ethic and quick adaptation to the offensive system under him and new head coach Kalen DeBoer.

Kadyn Proctor is a prized asset for Alabama

Nick Saban’s retirement wreaked havoc as the 30-day transfer portal window saw athletes fleeing the Alabama football program. However, one major win for the team was the return of offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.

Initially transferring to the Iowa Hawkeyes, Proctor quickly reversed his decision and returned to Tuscaloosa, much to the delight of head coach Kalen DeBoer.

"He was a guy that was going to play a significant role in the program, and to lose him and now get him back, that's a big deal for us," DeBoer said.

The Iowa native was a key figure to Crimson Tide's offensive line last season, protecting quarterback Jalen Milroe as Alabama clinched the SEC title. Milroe couldn't be happier about Proctor's return.

"To see the news with him (Kadyn Proctor) coming back, it's definitely very exciting to have him back," Milroe told ABC. “So, super excited to have him back and have him on the blindside. So, we're definitely going to need him to be successful this year."

Proctor, who earned Freshman All-American honors last season, had an amazing freshman year, playing 743 snaps as the starting left tackle.

​