The University of Alabama football program has had some good kickers before Nick Saban and in the Saban era, but it has yet to have one capture the Lou Groza Award.
The honor, which is named after Lou Groza, goes to college football’s top placekicker.
Will Reichard, a fifth-year senior, made the Lou Groza Award watch list as a preseason candidate. As a Hoover (Ala.) native, Reichard came into the Crimson Tide’s 2019 recruiting class as a three-star. He endured an injury in his freshman season, but Reichard achieved perfection during his sophomore campaign. He made all 14 of his field goals — including a 52-yard attempt — and all 84 extra points in 2020, helping Alabama capture an undefeated College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Lou Groza Award preseason watch list has arrived! 🏆
Read the full release here: https://t.co/HMMl3Llp9Z pic.twitter.com/CoxXqfdVpH
— Lou Groza Award (@LouGrozaAward) August 2, 2023
Reichard continued his excellence in 2022, making all 64 extra point attempts and hitting on 22 of 26 (84.6 percent) field goals.
The 6-foot-1, 194-pounder could have turned pro, but the elite specialist wanted one more season in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Reichard may become the first Tide kicker to capture the Lou Groza Award.
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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.
