Will Reichard left Alabama as the all-time leading scorer in college football, making him a strong candidate for the Minnesota Vikings as they search for a reliable place kicker.
Reichard’s record-setting career at Alabama, marked by his consistent performance and powerful leg, is impressive. His time with the Crimson Tide showed he can handle pressure well, which is crucial for a kicker in the NFL.
“I think it still remains to be seen obviously, with not having a season yet, but I do feel confident that playing at a place like that definitely prepared me better than other places,” Reichard said. “I’m not trying to talk bad about small schools, but I’m hoping that it will at least.”
The Vikings picked Reichard in the sixth round with the 203rd pick and made him their top choice for the kicker position this week.
This decision came after they needed to add depth to their defensive backfield and decided to release John Parker Romo, who had shown potential in the XFL but had not played in an NFL regular-season game.
“I think Will’s ready,” coach Kevin O’Connell said.
Six years ago, the Vikings drafted Daniel Carlson from Auburn in the fifth round and gave him a chance with the team after releasing veteran Kai Forbath.
Carlson struggled with missed field goals in both preseason and regular-season games, including two crucial misses in overtime against Green Bay, leading to his release. Carlson went on to become an All-Pro with Las Vegas in 2022.
