Alabama football has genuine openings at both kicker and punter for the first time in a long time. Since James Burnip rose to prominence as a college football player during his Crimson Tide stint, the punter position is particularly strange.
The Tide has two primary choices to replace him. Blake Doud transferred from Colorado School of Mines this offseason, and Alex Asparuhov joined as a freshman.
Following the first day of preseason camp on Wednesday, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer stated that the punter position is likely the most open, with two players, Alex and Blake, joining the team. This spring, Blake in particular had some reps, but he is still developing and getting stronger. The two men are in competition.
Alex’s physical condition has improved as well. His physical progress—just being able to go out there and do it—is, I suppose, better than anticipated. The competition that two will bring excites me. I am aware of their ceiling; they have some quite high ceilings. I have high expectations for them.
Due to a high school injury, Asparuhov was unable to participate in spring practice. During the spring, Doud took care of the punting.
Graham Nicholson, who took Will Reichard’s spot at kicker and spent a year in Tuscaloosa, must be replaced by UA. Conor Talty, who joined the Crimson Tide in 2023, is the front-runner to succeed him there.
In 2024, Talty managed kickoffs, and DeBoer commended him for trying to gain a more expansive position.
DeBoer stated, “I think Talty has done a really nice job, how he really took on the role from last year and dove into it.” did a good job on kickoffs, and I believe that experience, along with his development, demonstrated consistency throughout the spring. The many times we had him out there doing his thing, I believed he was solid.
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama will resume spring practice on Thursday. On August 30, the Crimson Tide will travel to Florida State to kick off the 2025 season.
That game will be broadcast on ABC and is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. CT.
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