Kadyn Proctor on What He’s Seen From Ty Simpson Through His First Few Starts at Alabama: How Good Should the Tide Feel About QB1 Moving Forward? 💯
When the Alabama Crimson Tide kicked off this season, all eyes were on Ty Simpson, the quarterback who had patiently waited his turn in Tuscaloosa. Replacing the likes of Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe was no small task, and the national spotlight quickly shifted to whether Simpson could carry the weight of Alabama’s quarterback legacy. Through his first few starts, Simpson has shown flashes of poise, athleticism, and leadership, drawing praise not only from fans but also from his teammates. Among the most vocal in his support has been Kadyn Proctor, Alabama’s standout offensive tackle, who has offered an insider’s perspective on what Simpson brings to the huddle.
Proctor’s comments, combined with the early returns on Simpson’s play, have sparked an important question: how confident should the Crimson Tide feel about their new QB1 moving forward?
Kadyn Proctor’s Perspective
Proctor, a former five-star recruit and cornerstone of Alabama’s offensive line, has the unique vantage point of protecting Simpson every Saturday. For him, the quarterback’s composure and command of the offense stand out most.
“He’s got this calmness about him,” Proctor reportedly said after Alabama’s last game. “Even when the defense brings pressure, Ty doesn’t panic. He communicates, makes the right checks, and trusts us up front. That makes our job easier.”
For an offensive line that has endured criticism in recent seasons for inconsistency, having a quarterback who exudes confidence is crucial. Proctor also praised Simpson’s ability to connect with teammates. “He’s not just a leader in the huddle—he’s someone you want to play for. He listens, he encourages, and he demands the best out of us.”
That kind of endorsement matters. In a program where talent is never in short supply, leadership is often what separates good quarterbacks from great ones.
Early Impressions of Ty Simpson as QB1
Simpson’s stat lines through his first few starts don’t tell the full story. Yes, he’s had moments of inaccuracy and growing pains, but he’s also shown the traits of a quarterback capable of keeping Alabama in the national championship conversation.
- Decision-Making: Perhaps his most promising trait has been his ability to minimize mistakes. While past Alabama QBs were sometimes prone to forcing big plays, Simpson has demonstrated patience, often taking what the defense gives him.
- Mobility: Simpson isn’t a pure dual-threat quarterback like Jalen Milroe, but he’s athletic enough to extend plays and pick up yards with his legs when necessary. That ability keeps defenses honest.
- Arm Talent: Simpson has displayed plenty of velocity and touch on deep throws. Several of Alabama’s explosive plays in recent weeks have come from his willingness to push the ball downfield.
- Composure: Perhaps most importantly, Simpson hasn’t seemed rattled by the moment. In hostile environments, he’s handled blitzes and noise with a maturity beyond his limited experience.
The Alabama Standard
It’s no secret that Alabama quarterbacks are judged differently. From Tua Tagovailoa to Mac Jones to Bryce Young, the bar has been set astronomically high. Even Jalen Milroe, who faced heavy criticism early in his tenure, left a strong mark on the program.
Simpson isn’t being asked to replicate those careers overnight. What he must do is grow steadily into the role, leaning on Alabama’s strengths around him—elite receivers, a powerful backfield, and an improving offensive line anchored by Proctor. If he does that, Alabama’s system is designed to maximize his efficiency while minimizing risk.
Kadyn Proctor on Simpson’s Growth
What resonates in Proctor’s evaluation of Simpson is the emphasis on growth. “Every week he looks sharper,” Proctor noted. “He studies, he adjusts, and you can see it in how fast the ball comes out and how quickly he recognizes coverages. That’s what gets us excited.”
That steady improvement is exactly what Alabama fans want to hear. In Nick Saban’s system—one that demands constant development and adaptation—Simpson’s trajectory suggests the best is yet to come.
Challenges Ahead
Of course, being Alabama’s QB1 is never smooth sailing. The SEC gauntlet means Simpson will face elite defenses that disguise coverages, bring exotic blitz packages, and test his decision-making under duress. Road trips to hostile stadiums will challenge his poise, and fans’ expectations will only grow louder.
Additionally, Alabama’s offensive identity is still a work in progress. Can the Tide establish a consistent run game to ease pressure on Simpson? Will the offensive line continue to protect him against SEC pass rushers? Proctor’s role will be pivotal in ensuring Simpson has the time to grow into his role.
How Good Should Alabama Feel About QB1 Moving Forward?
The answer, based on both Simpson’s play and Proctor’s insights, is pretty good. While he’s far from a finished product, the foundational traits—poise, decision-making, leadership—are already evident. Those are qualities that cannot be taught as easily as mechanics or schemes.
The Tide should feel encouraged that Simpson is not only earning the respect of his offensive line but also showing the ability to manage games effectively. If his growth continues along this trajectory, Simpson has the potential to become not just a serviceable starter, but a difference-maker who can elevate Alabama in big games.
For now, patience is key. Alabama doesn’t need Simpson to be Bryce Young or Mac Jones. They need him to be Ty Simpson—steady, reliable, and improving with each snap.
Final Thoughts
Kadyn Proctor’s glowing review of Ty Simpson underscores a simple truth: the Crimson Tide’s new quarterback is winning over the locker room, one play at a time. In Tuscaloosa, where the standard is national championships, that’s the first step toward long-term success.
The road ahead will be tough, but with the support of his offensive line, the guidance of Alabama’s coaching staff, and his own steady development, Simpson looks well on his way to establishing himself as the next trusted leader of the Tide.
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