8/2/2023 football Edit

Will Reichard included in Lou Groza Award preseason watch list

Alabama Crimson Tide place kicker Will Reichard (16) kicks a 50 yard field goal against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Photo | Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Tsoukalas • TideIllustrated

Managing Editor

Will Reichard was included on the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award presented annually to college football’s top placekicker. The sixth-year senior was one of 30 kickers to make the list.

Reichard was a semifinalist for last year’s Lou Groza Award, ranking second in the SEC and third nationally with 130 total points last season. He connected on 22 of his 26 field-goal attempts and all 64 of his extra-point tries. The Hoover, Alabama native earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Week after recording three field goals with a long of 49 during the Crimson Tide’s 30-24 win over Ole Miss. He also provided the game-winning kick during Alabama’s 20-19 victory at Texas.

Reichard enters his final college season as Alabama’s all-time leader in field-goal percentage, making 82.7% of his kicks. His 62 career field goals are the fourth most in program history.

Alabama has yet to produce a Groza Award winner since the honor was first handed out in 1992.