He had one interview with local reporters throughout his career, but he is simply proud of the role he has played on this year’s Alabama football team.
As a senior from Georgetown, Texas, Thomas Fletcher serves all the specialists as a long snapper.
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Since arriving in the Crimson Tide’s 2017 freshmen class, Fletcher has assisted an All-American punter (JK Scott), a Freshman All-SEC punter (Ty Perine) and a Lou Groza Award finalist (Will Reichard). He has not botched a snap in his career, and it has gone a long way in helping Reichard achieve perfection as a placekicker.
The sophomore made all 13 field goals, including a 52-yarder versus Georgia, and all 73 of his PAT (point after touchdown) attempts.
When it comes to the punting game, Fletcher has positioned Charlie Scott (younger brother of JK Scott) to have eight of his 17 punts — 47.1 percent — land inside the 20-yard line.
His excellence in setting up Scott and Reichard for success has guided Fletcher to receiving an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Not only has he accepted the opportunity, but he is also a finalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award — which goes to the most outstanding long snapper in college football. The chemistry that the specialists have on this year’s team has been one of the biggest strengths for the Crimson Tide.
He has been on two Southeastern Conference titles (2018, 2020) and one College Football Playoff National Championship (2017), but Fletcher is looking to end his tenure with a second national title ring.
It’s official!!! Welcome LS Thomas Fletcher (@longsnapfletch) from @AlabamaFTBL to the @Reeses Senior Bowl!!! 💪💪💪 #RollTide #RTR #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE@JimNagy_SB @PaniniAmerica #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/P2cYGBFfzH
— Reese’s Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) December 22, 2020
Finalist ➕ @MannellyAward @longsnapfletch #BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/WzFDfbmsxm
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 23, 2020
He and Alabama are back in the CFP after missing out last season.
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The Tide will face Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl (CFP semifinal) on Jan. 1, 2021.
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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.
