Alabama spring practice breakdown: Grading special teams room for the Crimson Tide

Alabama football’s special teams had many worried based on the performance they put together on A-Day.
 

Those worries may have been put the bed with the Crimson Tide picking up a commitment from Lou Groza Award-wining kicker, Graham Nicholson.  

UA’s special teams room in 2024 spring practice

James Burnip

Conor Talty

Kneeland Hibbett

Reid Schuback

Upton Bellanfant

Summary: 

Alabama football lost the best kicker in its school history at the conclusion of last season with Will Reichard departing from the program.

The Tide returned Talty, who signed with the Crimson Tide during the 2023 recruiting cycle. The fact he was not the primary kicker during Alabama’s spring game, painted the picture of a competition at kicker. Talty attempted one field goal on A-Day, which he missed from 45 yards out.

Schuback and Bellanfant made their attempts from 27 and 23 yards out.

With uncertainty surrounding its kicker position, Alabama went into the transfer portal to land the best available kicker in Graham Nicholson, who won the Lou Groza Award last season. He was 26-for-27 on field goals last season. 

Alabama is also returning its starting punter, James Burnip.

Burnip has started at punter for three years for the Tide and is one of college football’s best returning punters. He was selected as a first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus and earned second-team All-SEC accolades from the conference coaches last season.

Alabama’s special teams sits at a B grade for its spring practice performance, but it should be at worst an A- next season once Nicholson arrives.

Spring Practice Grade: B