One can’t blame JK Scott for being eager.
The senior from Denver, Colo., wants to punt, be the holder on field goal attempts, execute kickoffs, attempt some kicks and even record a tackle or two on special teams.
He’s had two rough boots throughout his career, and despite one of them happening two weeks ago versus Florida State – 9-yard punt – Scott’s totaled an average of 46.5 yards a punt in the last three seasons.
During practices, the 6-foot-5 golden leg is usually spotted in doors either stretching or working on his form. He equates his technique to ex-Alabama standout and recent PGA champion, Justin Thomas in the ability to line up his punts and execute good timing.
Thus far, he’s pinned opponents’ inside the 20-yard line on six of nine attempts.
Although he sets goals for himself and desires to do everything needed to help his team, head coach Nick Saban is not one for overloading arguably the best specialist in college football.
“I used to make the specialists be like everyone else on the team, but I don’t think they really are,” Saban said on Wednesday. “They are training to do something different. Something they are going to have to do four, five, six times in a game, not seventy times in a game. So, that takes a different type of training and I think every guy has to develop confidence in his training.”
Even in not wanting to evoke personal opinion, I’ve seen Scott display some funny dance moves, solve a rubik’s cube and nail three field goals in the Crimson Tide’s spring game back in April.
“JK is a tireless worker,” Saban said. “It’s really important to him to do well. If we have any issue with him in terms of his routine, it’s to make sure he doesn’t do too much.”
Normally, most would agree with this assessment.
But, when Minkah Fitzpatrick is playing multiple roles in the secondary and you are cross-training every position as a coach, it makes it harder to believe that Scott would have issues handling all the kicking duties.
Senior Andy Pappanastos had been good on short distance kicks and freshman Joseph Bulovas could be the answer in the future; however, Alabama fans are concerned about the present and Scott happens to be the most consistent leg at this time. Whether or Saban decides to let Scott perform more duties remains to be seen, but you must commend him for at least wanting more.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
