Many fans of Alabama football were concerned about the special teams’ performance on A-Day.
Those concerns may have been alleviated after the Crimson Tide secured a commitment from Lou Groza Award-winning kicker Graham Nicholson.
UA’s special teams room during 2024 spring practice
James Burnip
Conor Talty
Kneeland Hibbett
Reid Schuback
Upton Bellanfant
Summary:
Alabama football lost the finest kicker in school history at the end of last season when Will Reichard left the team.
The Crimson Tide re-signed Talty during the 2023 recruiting cycle. The fact that he was not the primary kicker during Alabama’s spring game suggested that there was competition for the position. On A-Day, Talty attempted one field goal but missed it from 45 yards out.
Schuback and Bellanfant made efforts from 27 and 23 yards, respectively.
With uncertainty surrounding its kicker position, Alabama used the transfer portal to sign the best available kicker, Graham Nicholson, who won the Lou Groza Award last season. Last season, he made 26 of 27 field goal attempts.
Alabama is also returning its starting punter, James Burnip.
Burnip has been the Tide’s punter for three years and is one of the top returning punters in college football. He was named a first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus and second-team All-SEC by league coaches last season.
Alabama’s special teams received a B grade for their spring practice performance, but they should be at least an A- next season if Nicholson comes.
