Will Reichard changed how the public viewed his position at Alabama. The former Crimson Tide kicker and Hoover native finally eliminated the jokes and memes that had surrounded his spot during the Nick Saban era, becoming the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader in the process.
Now Reichard’s off to the NFL. Tasked with replacing him is Graham Nicholson, who transferred in from Miami of Ohio.
“He’s been really consistent,” Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said after UA’s fourth preseason camp practice Sunday. “Honestly, all of our kickers have, but specifically with Graham, I stand behind the kicker, and I try to make every kick. There might be one I miss here and there, but that ball flight is what you’re looking for.
Nicholson earned the Lou Groza Award, which goes to the nation’s top kicker last season. He beat out Reichard for that honor, much to the chagrin of Alabama fans.
The senior from Cincinnati made 27 of his 28 field goal attempts last season, with his long from 52. He’s already impressed through the start of camp in Tuscaloosa.
“I like his mindset,” DeBoer said. “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.”
Conor Talty looked poised to take over the starting role before Nicholson’s transfer. He’s still with the Crimson Tide, though Nicholson is very much expected to be the kicker.
Even so, DeBoer made sure to praise Talty and the rest of UA’s special teams unit, including punter James Burnip.
“Burnip, between him and (long snapper) Kneeland Hibbett, and Conor has done a good job, too, kicking this camp,” DeBoer said. “I really feel like our specialists are going to be as good as any across the country.”
Alabama returns to the practice field Tuesday. The Crimson Tide opens the season Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky.
