Kalen DeBoer Reveals One Player He Was 'Excited' About After Alabama's Week 1 Win

Within just a few plays of Alabama's first game of the season, starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor exited with an injury and wouldn't return.

Elijah Pritchett, who practiced at left tackle throughout the spring, entered in Proctor's absence.

During his first few plays, Pritchett seemed timid, but then he began to settle in.

Pritchett, who is known as a mauler in the running game, helped Alabama to the tune of 334 rushing touchdowns on 7.1 yards per carry.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer couldn't have been happier with Pritchett's adjustments mid-game.

"Excited about the way he responded," DeBoer said. "All of a sudden, getting thrown into that position and really just being steady."

DeBoer honed back in on what worked for the offense back in the spring once Pritchett entered.

"He has taken pretty much all his reps at the right tackle spot (in the fall)," DeBoer said. "I think we really went back to what he did this spring, playing left tackle, and it was something I know gave me confidence. He and (guard Tyler) Booker took all those reps, you know, all spring long for 15 practices. And so I think they just honed back in on that."

Quarterback Jalen Milroe also highlighted Pritchett's ability to adapt to the situation.

"I'm proud of him. I'm proud of him because of the work he's been doing in the offseason and the work he's been doing this week," Milroe said. "I'm proud of him for stepping up

DeBoer gave a brief status update on Proctor, who transferred to Iowa following Nick Saban's before returning just months later.

"Yeah, unfortunately, got hit, just by surprise, obviously, and couldn't go tonight," DeBoer said of Proctor's injury. "We'll continue to evaluate tomorrow just to see the severity of it."

Whether Proctor is healthy or not, Pritchett will stabilize the left side in his absence.

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