Alabama’s offensive line wasn’t a problem during its A-Day spring game. But sprinkled around the stands and sideline of Bryant-Denny Stadium stood signs of a brighter future at 6-foot-2 and 6-foot-7, respectively.

Parker Brailsford, a transfer center from Washington who’s currently not with the team, watched next to UA coaches and teammates as the offense beat the defense, 34-28. About 10 feet behind Brailsford, past a fence, stood Kadyn Proctor. Alabama’s former starting left tackle was in Tuscaloosa a few days early.

“Nothing is official yet,” guard Tyler Booker said postgame of Proctor’s anticipated return. “It was great to see Kadyn after the game. That’s one of my best friends in the world. Him transferring didn’t damage that relationship at all. So I’m just gonna be behind and supporting him with whatever he decides to do.”

On Tuesday, it became official. Proctor will return to the Crimson Tide this summer, he announced on social media via On3. Proctor’s plans first materialized a month ago. After three months with Iowa, the program he was committed to in high school, Proctor rejoins the Tide with its new head coach, Kalen DeBoer.

The decision marks a massive win for DeBoer, offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, Jalen Milroe’s blindside and UA fans’ hopes of defending its Southeastern Conference title. Proctor’s choice is also the latest turn in the unpredictable world of the transfer portal.

Proctor revealed during an interview at a basketball game that Iowa coaches had contacted him during the fall. It wasn’t a recruiting pitch, but a check-in for a player with whom they were close. Proctor made an expected transfer in January after Nick Saban had retired. But Proctor didn’t find the ideal fit he initially sought. And Iowa self-reported a Level-III NCAA violation for a player who never competed in uniform.

“Offensive line, we’re probably a guy short. Just from the numbers that you typically would see and also where we want to be. So not saying we’ll take a look and evaluate, and you never know. There might be some guys from our roster surprise us, as well. We’ve just gotta continue to be fluid, be ready to adjust and continue to keep our eyes open for what’s out there when that time comes,” DeBoer said of adding players through the spring transfer window, which runs from April 16-30.

Proctor is about as good as an “addition” as any. The former five-star prospect was an All-SEC freshman team selection that improved throughout the season. Per the school’s website, Proctor’s best game was against Georgia in the conference championship. He totaled four knockdown blocks. Proctor then played through a torn ligament in his ankle against Michigan in the College Football Playoff.

He likely slots next to Booker on UA’s first-team offensive line. Brailsford and James Brockermeyer are in a battle for the center spot. Jaeden Roberts appears to have retained his right guard position. Right tackle will come down to inexperienced but well-sized choices: Elijah Pritchett, Wilkin Formby and Miles McVay.

“The grass isn’t always greener in other places. So when things happen and you think it might be better somewhere else, you get to find out the hard way that it’s not,” JC Latham said when asked about Proctor during Latham’s pro day.

Now, days after Alabama’s grass was a topic of conversation during A-Day, Proctor will be able to step on the field again as a member of the Tide roster this fall.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].