Alabama’s coaching staff was not kidding when they declared the team encourages competition at all positions.
Kalen DeBoer spoke with media after Saturday’s scrimmage about the struggle for starting kicker.
Will Reichard spent five seasons with the Crimson Tide.
Fans never had to worry about field goals because Reichard routinely demonstrated confidence in making them. In 2020, he was perfect on field goals and extra points, helping the Tide win the Southeastern Conference and the College Football Playoff national championship. Reichard was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2023 and is now excited to hear his name called in the NFL Draft. Alabama has talented specialists, but who will take over for Reichard on field goals?
Conor Talty competes against Upton Bellenfant. Both are talented, but Talty was ranked as one of the top kickers in the country by Kohl’s Kicking and Chris Sailer Kicking for the 2023 class. Coach DeBoer noted both kickers performed well in the second scrimmage.
“Everyone has had their days at the kicker position,” DeBoer said in a statement. “Both have done well and been steady. We had a windy day a few practices ago, and both struggled. We’re attempting to push through those learning moments, but today was a terrific day. They made all of their kicks. We actually didn’t have any long field goals. They’re doing a good job.
Talty and Bellenfant are the top contenders, although others are also competing.
A-Day will provide us with a close-up look at both kickers.
