For the first time in a while, Alabama football has real openings at both kicker and punter. The punter spot is especially unfamiliar, after James Burnip became one of the top players in college football at his position throughout his Crimson Tide career. In his place, the Tide has two main options. Alex Asparuhov signed on as a freshman, while Blake Doud transferred in from Colorado School of Mines this offseason.
“The punter position is probably the one that is the most open where you’ve got a couple guys, Alex and Blake, both coming into the program,” Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said Wednesday after the first day of preseason camp. “Blake in particular had some reps this spring, but still growing and getting stronger. Those two guys competing.
“Alex is now physically in a better spot too. His progress is I guess better than expected from a physical standpoint just being able to go out there and do it. I’m excited about the competition those two will bring. I know the ceiling for them, they’ve got some pretty high ceilings. I’m expecting some big things from them.”
Asparuhov missed spring practice with an injury from high school. Doud handled the punting throughout the spring.
Over at kicker, UA has to replace Graham Nicholson, who spent one year in Tuscaloosa after taking over for Will Reichard. The top candidate to take over there is Conor Talty, who joined the Crimson Tide in 2023. Talty handled kickoffs in 2024, and DeBoer praised him in his attempt to earn an expanded role.
“I think Talty has done a really nice job, how he’s really from last year taken on the role and dove into it,” DeBoer said. “Did a nice job on kickoffs and I think that experience and just his growth showed consistency through the spring and was having it today. I thought he was solid the different times we had him out there doing his thing.”
Alabama will continue spring practice on Thursday in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide is scheduled to open the 2025 season on Aug. 30, with a trip to Florida State. That game is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be aired on ABC.
