Alabama OL Reveals Hateful Response to Struggles

The offensive line is widely viewed as the most thankless position in football - nobody cares when they play well, but everyone knows when the offensive line struggles.

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On FoxNation's "The Tide That Bind", a docuseries highlighting Alabama's 2024 football season under Kalen DeBoer, the second episode dialed in on two of Alabama's offensive tackles who had very different experiences in 2024 - Kadyn Proctor and Wilkin Formby.

We learned during the season, courtesy of Alabama offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, that Formby and Proctor were close friends who roomed together. Both players would watch film after classes in the evenings, trying to strengthen their game to help Alabama succeed.

While Proctor has started every game he has been healthy for Alabama, Formby got his second career start against South Florida in 2024. It was not a perfect day for Formby, who struggled in the game. Alabama would go on to win in a high-scoring affair thanks to a pair of long rushing touchdowns late in the fourth quarter. The conversation around the game, however, was Formby's performance.

Formby shared his side of the story in the documentary.

"I went on social media. The first thing that popped up was like, 'Kill Wilkin Formby.' It's a lot of hate they're spreading," Formby said in the documentary. "It didn't really get to me that bad. I just hate that my family had to see all that stuff. My little sister is going to school and people are asking her about it. That was the part that made me frustrated."

Proctor hurt for his friend who had a bad night. "I don't know how y'all can say this stuff. They don't understand that we've got to go..." Proctor said. "We might laugh about it right now, but when we're by ourselves, that really takes a toll. I've had countless times where I cried for sure."

Proctor had his fair share of struggles during his freshman season in 2023, giving up 12 sacks and 36 pressures in the 2023 regular season.

"I bet he probably has too when nobody's around. They don't understand how much that affects you. You're in front of millions of people, not trying to mess up," Proctor said.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.