Will Reichard Reflects on Nick Saban on the Verge of His Professional Career
Former Alabama kicker Will Reichard didn't grow up an Alabama fan, but instead cheered for one of the Crimson Tide's biggest rivals. Reichard, speaking to the media contingent in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine, reflects on being from the state of Alabama and his choice to play for the University of Alabama before he embarks on his professional journey.
"Yeah, 100-percent. I didn't grow up an Alabama fan to be honest with you. I grew up a Florida fan, I was a big Tim Tebow fan," said Reichard. "But whenever Alabama started showing interest in me, I couldn't pass it down, especially with Saban being there. With me only being an hour away, it was easy. I take a lot of pride from Alabama. It's the only state I've ever lived in my whole life, so it's definitely a big part of why I am who I am."
The Hoover High School product may have give Nick Saban an underrated gift as he bestowed upon him five seasons of accuracy and consistency at the kicker position. Reichard made 84 of his 100 field goal attempts and converted 295 of his 297 extra point attempts to leave college football as the NCAA's all time leading scorer.
"I feel like, indirectly, he gave me a lot of advice. Just being able to learn from him for the past five years. Whether that be in team meetings or us sitting down and talking. He may not have been meaning to give me advice but being able to be a sponge and soak it all in is huge for me."
Reichard embarks on combine drills where he'll be asked to attempt 15 field goals and six kickoffs, he's already undergone medical checks and on Monday he'll even punt. The most consistent kicker in Crimson Tide history may not have grown up an Alabama fan, but he'll go down as one of the Saban-era greats, no matter where his professional career takes him.
