We promised you a six-part series previewing Alabama’s 2024 Fall Camp. It’s BOL so we will give you a seventh, going the extra mile, the day before the “kick off” of Fall Camp. Appropos of kicking off, let’s briefly discuss the Tide’s specialists we expect to see on this 2024 Alabama Football team.
Alabama dipped into the transfer portal to find a starting kicker for the upcoming season and came away with the Lou Groza Award winner, Graham Nicholson . He was an amazing 27 for 28 last season for the Miami (OH) Redbirds and the Tide would be more than thrilled with a repeat performance. Graham will use this season, like Will Reichard did a year ago, to audition for an NFL gig. Nicholson will be backed by Conor Talty, a redshirt freshman scholarship player who wasn’t necessarily “shaky” this Spring, just not quite ready for a starting nod in the SEC. Perhaps one more year of improvement will do the trick.
Likewise, at punter, Alabama will feature one of the nation’s very best. Senior James Burnip returns for his year four in the role and he has developed into a big-time weapon. He averaged an absolutely whopping 47 yards per punt last season, with 23 punts traveling over 50 yards. Pro Football Focus says Burnip was the best in the country last year. He has taken dramatic steps forward as a punter each and every year at Alabama. If he improves again, I have no idea what to expect but folks standing outside Bryant-Denny Stadium may need to keep their heads on a swivel. His heir apparent may be in the ’25 Signing Class.
At long snapper, Alabama returns one of the nation’s best, Kneeland Hibbett . Notice a trend? This is a massive team strength for Alabama. When a ball is to be kicked, Bama will trot out a dude to do it. Both types. And there will be a quality long snapper delivering the football. I have been wishing this into existence out loud all summer: Might Alabama have three specialists drafted next April? That would absolutely have to be a college football first.
Punt return? This will be one of the great battles of Fall Camp. Multiple contenders have a good chance and it’s really anyone’s guess today. Candidates will include, but not be limited to, Germie Bernard, Cole Adams, Jaylen Mbakwe and the people’s favorite, Ryan Williams. I will guess it’s Bernard but selling Williams short is a bad idea.
At the kick return spot, Kendrick Law may be the favorite. He was a return man for the Tide last season. Germie Bernard is a candidate here as is Emmanuel Henderson. Want a fun wild card? How about Richard Young? This is a creative way to get the ball in his hands.
This is a major area of strength for Alabama. In close games, the importance of these positions are magnified. For Tide fans, that’s a good thing in 2024.
Alabama reports to camp today. And kicks it off tomorrow.
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