Alabama fans obviously want balance on offense and improvement on defense; however, the thought of having consistent production in the kicking game remains the most popular one.
After missing nine extra points in 2018 and clanking opportunities last year, supporters of the Crimson Tide are choosing not to believe the success of kickers until it is shown in a game.
Will Reichard, a sophomore from Hoover, Ala., was extremely confident in his abilities as a freshman in 2019.
Following a stellar high school career, he stated that he would be the one to ‘end the kicking woes’ at Alabama. He sustained a hip injury versus Southern Mississippi and after hurting it again in a matchup with Tennessee, the coaching staff decided to sit him for the rest of the year.
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The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder has an accurate leg.
He made a pair of 40-plus yard attempts versus New Mexico State. Reichard was consistent throughout fall camp, nailing six of seven field goals. He made two kicks in excess of 50 yards in the first scrimmage and according to Nick Saban, the former three-star made four of five attempts over the weekend.
“Will (Reichard) missed like a 55-yarder, but he’s been doing really well,” Saban said.
Even with Reichard’s confidence, there is still competition at the position.
Joseph Bulovas, a native of Mandeville, La., is back as a redshirt junior. Per Saban, Bulovas has improved. He made 14 of 18 kicks in 2018, while connecting on eight of 11 attempts last season.
For his career, Bulovas has made 22 of 29 field goals — which is 75.9 percent. This is not bad; however, in a huge meeting against Auburn he missed an attempt that would have sent the game into overtime.
Alabama recruits good players on special teams; it is just time to see positive consistency from the group.
Reichard is now prepared to make good on his promise.
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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.
