DONE DEAL: Alabama announced the signing of another top talented experienced kicker mega-star….

Placekicker should be added to the list of positions in Tuscaloosa that need to be filled this spring.

An “open competition” will be held by Alabama football to succeed the legendary Will Reichard. After the team’s second scrimmage on Saturday, first-year UA head coach Kalen DeBoer gave an update:

“Everyone has had bad days,” DeBoer remarked. They’re both doing incredibly well and, for the most part, have been reliable. A few days ago, at one of our sessions, it was a windy day, and we had some difficulty. However, those are excellent teaching moments, and today was a really terrific day of perseverance. It was a pretty nice day today. However, they are all merely lowering their heads as much as they must, and DeBoer did not name players, but he was probably talking to Upton Bellenfant, a third-year player, and Conor Talty, a second-year player. Former five-star prospect Jamie Kohl of the national kicking analysis says both of them. Additionally, Mountain Brook alum Reed Harradine and senior Reid Schuback are listed on the Tide’s web roster for the position.

The sole competitor to enter the field in 2023 was Talty. He made three appearances and attempted one extra point and six kickoffs. He shared with AL.com prior to the Rose Bowl in January the lessons he took away from observing Reichard’s work the previous season. Hoover native Reichard made the most 50-yard field goals in school history and broke the NCAA scoring record.

I’m at a loss for words. It’s been incredible. To me, he resembles an older brother. Regarding Reichard, Talty stated, “He’s really helped me out psychologically, both on and off the field. I was sort of a dumb kid when I first came here. There were moments when I forgot things. Once, I had to sprint back to the hotel to retrieve my shoes after leaving them with a travel squad.

During UA’s second scrimmage, according to DeBoer, there weren’t many attempts at “long field goals” in Bryant-Denny Stadium. According to DeBoer, there was some competitive back-and-forth because the attack and defense were paired against each other at different beginning places along the field. Practice was not allowed to be viewed by the media, and no statistics were given. However, there was a suite with boosters.

DeBoer emphasized a “five-minute stretch” where the kickers were repeatedly challenged for the ball. DeBoer responded that the club hasn’t conducted any “live” drills with the kick and punt return groups to determine depth chart positioning when questioned about them. While Kool-Aid McKinstry, Caleb Downs, and JaCorey Brooks either transferred for left or were selected in the draft, Kendrick Law, who returned kickoffs, is back. James Burnip, the starting punter, is also back.

Next Saturday, April 13, is the annual A-Day spring game, when fans may see the specialists.