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As a freshman during the 2023 season, Talty had a front-row seat to an unforgettable spectacle. He watched daily as Will Reichard, the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader, went about his business. Reichard, a model of consistency and composure, was in the midst of a historic final season, adding to his legend with every point he put on the board. For Talty, this wasn’t just a casual observation; it was an unparalleled education. He got to take in all of Reichard’s habits, his routines, and his mental approach to the game. By teaching through example, Reichard might have provided the Crimson Tide with a gift that will keep on giving for years to come.
Talty’s path to the starting job hasn’t been a straightforward one. A highly-rated kicker coming out of high school, he arrived at Alabama with the expectation of competing for the starting role after Reichard was initially expected to depart for the NFL. But Reichard’s decision to return for one more season meant Talty would have to wait. This, however, proved to be a blessing in disguise. Instead of being thrust into the spotlight immediately, Talty had the opportunity to learn from the best in the business, a privilege he has called “unbelievable.” He learned from both Reichard and Graham Nicholson, a Lou Groza Award winner who transferred to Alabama for a season. Talty has been able to observe their different mentalities and how they approached their day-to-day work, using it to build his own standards and discipline.
Talty’s development has been a testament to his dedication. Despite suffering multiple quad and groin injuries that hindered his progress and led to a “tough” offseason, he never wavered in his commitment to the program. He chose to stay at Alabama even when the opportunity to transfer was available, stating, “I love this place and I never want to leave this place. I want to leave an impact on this place.” This loyalty and perseverance have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. Head coach Kalen DeBoer and special teams coordinator Jay Nunez have both praised Talty’s progress, highlighting his physical talent and mental maturity. Nunez noted Talty’s growth, explaining that they have “met him where he’s at and kind of pulled him along.”
The lessons from Reichard extend beyond the technical aspects of kicking. Talty has absorbed the mental fortitude and leadership qualities that made Reichard a legend. He is now using what he learned to help the new faces in the special teams room, carrying on the standard set by Reichard and other former veterans. This leadership, combined with the experience of handling kickoff duties last season, has prepared him for the pressure of being the full-time kicker. As Talty himself put it, handling kickoffs last year was a “huge piece in my development to help me gain confidence” and that you have to “be in the storm” to get used to it.
Talty is now ready to step into that storm. He has approached the offseason and fall camp with the mindset of constantly competing, not against others, but against himself. This dedication, instilled by the examples he has seen, is a strong indication that he is prepared for the challenge. As the season approaches, the legacy of Will Reichard will not be a distant memory for the Crimson Tide; it will live on through the young kicker who watched and learned, and is now ready to write his own chapter in Alabama’s storied history.
