When Alabama football began trying to replace Will Reichard at kicker, the Crimson Tide turned to one of the best in the country. After winning the Lou Groza Award at Miami of Ohio last season, Graham Nicholson transferred to UA.
Based on a Wednesday statement during an interview on the Redhawks’ official website, Miami coach Chuck Martin was none too happy about the move. Martin was asked about how the team was moving past losing Nicholson.
“We didn’t lose him, he’s at Alabama,” Martin said. “We know exactly where he’s at. Again, you media people, it’s all pretend. Like, no, Alabama stole our kicker. They illegally recruited our kicker and stole him from us and that’s a fact. We act like it’s not. We live in this la-la world, like ‘Hey, let’s not talk…’ I don’t know why. Everybody knows what’s going on.
“So yeah, Alabama stole our kicker. A couple other schools tried to steal him but then… OK, what was the question?”
Nicholson became the first Mid-American Conference player to win the Groza Award last season. He beat out Reichard, one of the other finalists for the honor.
Along with Conor Talty, he’s been working for the Alabama job throughout preseason camp.
“I like his mindset,” UA head coach Kalen DeBoer said in early August.” He’s a very confident guy. I don’t really know how he’s going to respond when he misses one. Maybe if, right? He’s great to have with us. The team has really accepted him in. I think he feels a part of it. You can’t help but look at what he’s done in the past and already know, man, this guy is really good. You can see why each and every day. He has a good process about him. We’re glad he’s here.”
Alabama opens the 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky. Meanwhile, Miami continues to search for its next kicker.
Dom Dzioban and Kellan McLaughlin are competing for that job.
“You’re never happy when you lose a good one, that’s the way it goes,” Martin said. “But you’re happy about this next opportunity for Dom and Kellen. And I know they’re excited about it. 99.9% of mine was unhappy, but there was two kids smiling when Alabama took our guy.”
