What’s Next for Alabama Football: Special Teams

When the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history heads to the NFL, he leaves a big right cleat to fill.

Will Reichard is gone, and will succeed on Sundays. Who will replace him at Alabama when field goals are needed to win games?

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Redshirt freshman Conor Talty of Chicago will. Thanks for asking. Talty has shown in limited play and scrimmages that he has the leg and the confidence to step in for the highly-regarded Reichard.

Here's a look at the remainder of Alabama's likely special teams contributors for 2024:

Punter

Aussie James Burnip is arguably the best punter in the land. While he could turn pro, Burnip has indicated via social media that he plans to be back at Bama.

Long snapper

Current junior Kneeland Hibbett has been the picture of consistency since arriving from Florence. He will return for his senior season.

Punt returner

Since taking over during the Chattanooga game for Kool-Aid McKinstry, Caleb Downs has been adequate and consistent. If Nick Saban decides Downs is too valuable to risk injury in this role, there are other options like incoming freshman Ryan Williams Jr, but Saban has not shown that to be a thing with him. Should that change, Isaiah Bond has experience here and is ready to step in, but Downs is likely to start the spring deep on punts.

Kick-off returner

An informal Rose Bowl survey showed current kick returner Kendrick Law to be the team's fastest player.  He wasn't overly dynamic back there, but will get the first crack again. Williams will arrive in late May to push him both at receiver and kick returner. Bond is a wild card here.

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