Every single game this season, Alabama football has run out freshman Kadyn Proctor at left tackle. He’s been listed atop each depth chart and has tallied an overwhelming majority of the snaps. Yet, Proctor isn’t the only Crimson Tide player regularly charged with protecting the quarterback’s blindside.

During the last three contests, a mid-game interlude by second-year player Elijah Pritchett has become routine. Alabama (5-1, 3-0 SEC) has implemented a rough 75-25% split between the underclassmen since hosting Ole Miss on Sept. 23. The rotation has become a quirk of the offensive line, which has dealt with inconsistent play and dealt with missing starters to varying success.

On Wednesday night, Saban was asked how the shifts have benefited Proctor and Pritchett in their development.

“I can’t answer that, to be honest with you. I’m not trying to be facetious or anything. I think both guys have shown promise when they’ve played and both guys have sort of had a few hiccups when they’ve played,” said Saban. “But I think both guys have played well enough that there should be some consideration for them both playing at some position or splitting time at one position.

“They’re both young players, so their adaptability to do multiple things is probably something that’ll be a little bit of a work in progress.”

According to PFF, Proctor has been on the field for 335 of Alabama’s 386 offensive snaps. All at left tackle. Pritchett has played 49 snaps. Forty-one of those have come in the last three weeks.

Proctor has allowed five sacks, 15 quarterback pressures and committed four penalties. Yet, since the split started against the Rebels, Proctor has managed three of his four best single-game grades. Proctor has conceded just a sack and five hurries in that timeframe. Pritchett, in far fewer opportunities, has conceded one hurry, no pressures and has been cited for one penalty.

“He’s got to be assignment-oriented, he’s got to work the guys next to you in terms of how you’re blocking — whether it’s run or pass,” Saban said in August about what he wants from a left tackle. … “I think pass blocking is important. But I think being a complete player at that position is important, too. You’re moving on the run.”

While fans and social media analysts have pointed out their struggles, both Proctor and Pritchett have looked better through conference play. Alabama can either keep utilizing both intermittently or perhaps move one to either right guard — Dalcourt wasn’t available against Texas A&M and was replaced by first-time starter Jaeden Roberts.

With challenging defenses coming to Tuscaloosa in Arkansas, then Tennessee and LSU, and a UA offense that’s still forming its identity, the left tackle situation will need to be resolved sooner or later.

“I see a lot of great things out of them. I see areas where they can improve in, but we all have areas where we can improve in, nobody’s perfect. But as a whole, both of them are young. Kadyn’s a freshman, Elijah Pritchett, he was hurt last year, so this is technically his freshman year playing,” JC Latham said, ” … I know they can be great.”

The Week 4 adjustment also wasn’t the first time UA has made to help its younger blockers schematically. Following the first fall scrimmage, the Tide moved Tyler Booker to left guard so he could assist whoever won the left tackle job. Meanwhile, veteran and former center Darrian Dalcourt would slide in at right guard. With Seth McLaughlin at center and JC Latham on the right side, the idea was to spread the experience around.

It’s produced mixed results. The highs – two 200-yard rushing performances, a career-high for Jalen Milroe’s passing yards (321) – have been promising. But the unit has conceded 23 total sacks, tied for 120th nationally. McLaughlin’s snaps and unit-wide penalties have also cropped up as issues halfway through the season.

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