Add placekicker to the list of positions that need to be sorted out this spring in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama football is holding an “open competition” to replace program-great Will Reichard. First-year UA head coach Kalen DeBoer provided an update following the team’s second scrimmage on Saturday:
“Kind of everyone’s had their days,” DeBoer said. “Both doing really well and they’ve been pretty consistent for the most part. We had a windy day a couple of days ago, a couple of practices ago and struggled a little bit, right. But those are great learning moments and really trying to push through and today was pretty good day. Today was a really good day. … But they’re all just keeping their head down, literally like they need to, and doing a good job there.”
While DeBoer didn’t mention names, he was likely referring to second-year player Conor Talty and Upton Bellenfant, who’s in his third year. Both are former five-star prospects, according to national kicking analyst Jamie Kohl. The Tide also has senior Reid Schuback and Mountain Brook alum Reed Harradine listed on its online roster for the position.
Talty was the only contender to hit the field in 2023. He appeared in three games, attempting six kickoffs and one extra point. He told AL.com ahead of the Rose Bowl in January that he learned from watching Reichard’s process last season. Reichard, a native of Hoover, set the NCAA all-time scoring record and made the most 50-yard field goals in school history.
“I can’t put it into words. It’s been amazing. He’s like a big brother to me. He’s helped me out a lot mentally, on the field, off the field,” Talty said of Reichard, " … When I first got here I was kind of a dumb kid. I was forgetting stuff sometimes. I forgot my shoes to a travel squad once, had to run back to the hotel and get them.”
DeBoer said there weren’t many “long field goal” tries in Bryant-Denny Stadium during UA’s second scrimmage. The offense and defense were matched against each other at different starting points along the field leading to some competitive back-and-forth, per DeBoer. Media wasn’t allowed to view practice and no stats were provided. Boosters were present in a suite, though.
DeBoer highlighted a “five-minute stretch” in which the kickers were challenged on repeated kicks. When asked about kick- and punt-returners, DeBoer said the team hasn’t done any “live” drills with those groups yet to get into depth chart standing. Kendrick Law, who returned kickoffs, is back while Kool-Aid McKinstry, Caleb Downs and JaCorey Brooks either transferred for left for the draft. Starting punter James Burnip is also back.
Fans can see the specialists next Saturday, April 13, for the annual A-Day spring game.
Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at NAlvarez@al.com.
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