Hours After Kadyn Proctor’s Shocking Switch, Alabama Prodigy Takes Subtle Dig at Iowa to Set the Record Straight

Making decisions makes up a major part of an athlete’s career. When they fumble in that, mistakes can be costly, especially if they involve the transfer portal. Like the one Kadyn Proctor is going through following his two-month stint at Iowa. The offensive tackle’s time at Iowa was a living embodiment of the famous Abe Simpson turn-right-back-around GIF, going right out of the door he entered moments ago.

It was only in January that Proctor joined hands with Iowa Hawkeyes through the transfer portal. Now, just a few days into March, he is packing up his bags to return to Tuscaloosa. Proctor’s initial decision could have been prompted by the shocking news of Nick Saban retiring, but maybe his playing for his college team was not meant to be. Iowa’s head coach Kirk Ferentz released a statement saying, “It is unfortunate that Kadyn has informed us of his intentions to leave our program today.”

Ferentz might have let Proctor off the hook easily in the public eye, but former Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham, who is also projected as a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, did not. Even though he did not participate wholly in the Pro Day at Alabama, when it came to offering his thoughts about the saga between Proctor and Iowa, Latham didn’t hold back. “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side … you get to find out the hard way it’s not,” commented Latham on X.

While it was surely a smack on Proctor’s head, it was also a subtle dig at the University of Iowa since Proctor had to go through the ‘hard way’ to find that the grass was indeed not greener at Iowa. However, as a non-graduate, Proctor cannot enter the transfer portal until April 16. This time window gives him time to potentially change his mind to stay on Iowa’s side since he is still listed in Iowa’s official 2024 roster.

After the subtle jibe Latham has hurled at both Kadyn Proctor’s and Iowa’s way, fans are speculating what the other Alabama players’ reactions would be to their returning OT. In the meantime, Latham will also have to face his future at the 2024 NFL draft.

JC Latham and the 2024 NFL draft

Per SI, Latham’s half-hearted participation at the Pro-day held at Alabama on Wednesday might be a problem when it comes to him being picked in the 2024 NFL draft. Latham not engaging in any of the athletic testing at Alabama’s Pro Day will deprive him of a chance to boast his athletic profile in front of his prospective team since he is projected as the top 25 picks of the 2024 NFL draft.

READ ALSO: NFL Draft 2024: Why Houston Texans Do Not Have a 1st-Round Pick?

Cincinnati Bengals are one of the top prospective franchises who is in talks to pick JC Latham as their first-round 18th pick. Although he did field drills for coaches and scouts that were in attendance, his missing athletic report could be a red flag for the Bengals since they won’t be able to compare him to the rest of the class.

Do you think the Bengals would still go with picking JC Latham? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

READ MORE: Nick Saban Sets Example for Alabama in His Final Hours With His Work Ethic