Alabama’s head coach, Kalen DeBoer, has confirmed that starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor will miss the upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan due to a shoulder injury. Proctor, who transferred back to Alabama from Iowa, sustained the injury early in the season, causing him to miss the first two games. Despite returning to start the subsequent ten games, the injury persisted, necessitating a surgical procedure for full recovery.
In Proctor’s absence, Alabama is expected to rely on redshirt freshman Wilkin Formby to fill the left tackle position. Formby, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 324 pounds, started the two games Proctor missed earlier in the season and has appeared in a total of eight games. Throughout his appearances, Formby has allowed one sack and seven pressures, demonstrating his capability to step into the starting role.
Coach DeBoer has expressed confidence in Formby’s readiness, noting his progress and increased physicality throughout the season. DeBoer stated, “It’s always about progress, right? It’s always about improving, and he’s certainly doing that.” He also highlighted Formby’s decisiveness and comfort in his assignments, indicating a positive outlook for his performance in the upcoming bowl game.
The ReliaQuest Bowl is scheduled for December 31 at 11 a.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN. Alabama will face Michigan without Proctor, but with confidence in Formby’s ability to step up in this critical matchup.
For more insights on Kadyn Proctor’s injury status and Coach DeBoer’s comments, you can watch the following video: