Four things happened inside Bryant-Denny Stadium in Alabama’s win over Tennessee: a magical lighting show, old school Alabama (offense wise) resurfaced, the defense showed flashes of greatness and fans witnessed the return of JK Scott.
A native of Prattville, Ala., Tylan “Ty” Perine became the first African American punter for the Tide in its 35-13 victory over the Volunteers.
He is not the 6-foot-4 golden leg from Colorado with a prayer warrior’s passion, but all that matters to Crimson Tide fans was the way the ball traveled off his foot.
Before starting his career as a walk-on, Caleb Ross – head football coach at Prattville High School – knew he had something special in one year with Perine.
RELATED: It is time for Alabama to look at Ty Perine at punter
“He has an exceptionally strong leg,” Ross said of Perine.
“I recognized it on the first day I was here. He was punting and it sounded different coming off his foot. I kept telling myself if he can get consistent, he can kick on Saturdays and Sundays.”
A multi-talented athlete, Perine served at punter, kicker, quarterback and safety while having a background in soccer – prior to playing high school football. According to Ross, Perine has always been a competitor and he felt that he would give the Tide every chance at winning.
Not only did make his high school coach proud, Perine had over 100,000 people chanting his name under the lights on last week. Scott ended his career with the Tide on an average of 46.5 yards per punt. As for Perine, it only took two attempts for him to reach the mark.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder shot moon balls into the night sky – including that traveled 51 yards and had supporters on their feet.
In the midst of his second punt, the overall athlete in Perine emerged.
He looked like former Tide standout, Mark Barron, as he flew down the field to cover his own kick. Per sources, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine was told that Perine was never afraid to lower his shoulder, initiate contact and secure tackles.
He turned into the safety he was at Prattville, met the Volunteers’ returner and dropped him to the ground.
His excitement said it all as everyone was happy for him.
Huge fan of this walk on punter #rolltide
— Dont’a Hightower (@zeus30hightower) October 20, 2019
We have a black punter ?
— Alphonse Taylor (@SHANKK50) October 20, 2019
THE PUNTER TRIED TO MAKE THE TACKLE!!!! I SEE YOU PERINE LETS GOOOOOOOO!!!!
— Alphonse Taylor (@SHANKK50) October 20, 2019
Teammates knew he was ready, fans were highly impressed, and even Nick Saban had to give him some credit.
“I saw him punt two punts and he punted them really well. I mean really well,” Saban said after the game on the true freshman. “We are happy to see that. He is a guy that is walk-on that has gotten better throughout the course of the year, and we thought it was time for him to get an opportunity based on some of the struggles we’ve had at that position. I thought he responded well.”
With Skyler DeLong struggling and Will Reichard dealing with a hip flexor, Perine gives the Tide a consistent leg in flipping field position — which also puts the defense in more desirable situations.
Seeing how he was an alumnus of the Mike McCabe: One on One Kicking camp is another reason for Saban to continue with him. McCabe graduated multiple specialists to the National Football League, including Patrick McAfee, Matt Bosher, Cody Parkey, Eddy Pineiro, Johnny Townsend and Shane Tripucka.
The quartet of Parkey, Pineiro, Townsend and Tripucka all hailed from the Southeastern Conference.
Black athletes have come a long way at Alabama.
Individuals like Sylvester Croom, Tony Nathan, Walter Lewis, E.J. Junior and Ozzie Newsome paved the way for blacks that wanted to be an offensive lineman, running back, quarterback, linebacker or tight end for the Tide.
Perine gives hope for someone that may want to follow his example at punter/kicker in the future.
His performance should land him as one of the Players of the Week via the coaching staff and fans want to see more of him moving forward this season.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
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 @CoachingMSmith.
