3 Alabama football recruits who will have an immediate impact in 2023

Alabama needs Caleb Downs to play immediately in the secondary

When you have the track record of Nick Saban, the program is never exactly hurting for defensive back talent. With that said, though, Alabama faces an interesting 2023 season as they’ll not only have a new defensive coordinator but will also be losing all three starting safeties (including the STAR) with Brian Branch, Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams all leaving.

The good news for the Tide is that 5-star safety Caleb Downs is part of their recruiting class and, as a Top 10 overall player in the 2023 cycle, he figures to be able to give the team quality snaps immediately.

Downs is a bit undersized at under 6-foot but he has a terrific feel for the safety position which shines in his versatility. He’s a willing, instinctive and sure tackler but can hang in coverage as a centerfield high safety or covering on the line against tight ends and slot receivers. He might not be an immediate starter, but he has the tools to see snaps early and watch his role increase throughout the season.

Kadyn Proctor was a massive flip for Alabama and he’ll play right away

One thing that you often think that Alabama football will never have to worry about is offensive line play, but that wasn’t necessarily the case last season. The Tide brought in Tyler Steen in the transfer portal and, while fine, he did have some tough moments. Even worse, he’s now gone with no obvious replacement on the returning roster.

So it’s a good thing that Saban and his staff were able to flip 5-star offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor from in-state Iowa. Because it seems like Proctor should be considered the favorite to start opposite of left tackle J.C. Latham in the 2023 season.

Proctor checks every box physically to be a starting offensive tackle right away for Bama and could be a true force for Haynes and the rest of the rushing attack. He also moves well at his size, though he does need more technical development. Still, he’s clearly the best option that the program has at tackle to fill the hole on the right side, so expect him to potentially be a staple for this offense over the next three years starting in 2023.

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