Spring practice for the University of Alabama football has entertained many questions from Alabama fans.
People want to know everything from how good Kalen DeBoer will be as a head coach to does the Crimson Tide have the talent to capture a national championship in the fall.
One of the most intriguing concerns of Tide nation comes on special teams.
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Will Reichard was the model of consistency at kicker for Alabama.
He not only achieved perfection in the Tide’s undefeated College Football Playoff National Championship season in 2020, but Reichard also removed all fears from Alabama fans when it came to constantly making kicks. The Tide never had to worry about missed field goals from Reichard because of the confidence he carried.
He is now headed to the NFL Draft, which means someone new must carry the mantle he leaves behind. Conor Talty, a redshirt freshman, now picks up the kicking responsibilities.
Talty, a former three-star in the 2023 signing class, was one of the top kickers in the nation.
The Chicago (Ill.) native earned a five-star rating from Kohl’s Kicking and was the No. 2 kicker per Chris Sailer Kicking. Talty played in three games for Alabama’s 2023 Southeastern Conference Championship team. He made one extra point, totaled six kickoffs for 365 yards, and recorded a tackle. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has marquee shoes to fill, but he spent a lot of time around Reichard last season.
Talty learned some things that should help him transition smoothly to being the next successful kicker.
According to sources, Touchdown Alabama Magazine has learned that Talty ‘looks good’ in practice thus far.
Alabama fans will get their first look at him on Saturday, April 13 in the A-Day Game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
