The current economic landscape of college football may have contributed to one of the best kickers in the country returning to Alabama for his final season, at least that’s what Nick Saban thinks.

On Saturday, a Crimson Tide legend continued his march on history as Will Reichard became the highest-scoring player in the Southeastern Conference. Reichard is currently seventh all-time with 486 points and not only has a shot at the overall record (Keenan Reynold’s 530), but the UA program record for total field goals (Leigh Tiffin, 83).

While Reichard has said he came back to improve his touchbacks and draft stock, Saban recognized how name, image and likeness, likely kept a crowd favorite in Tuscaloosa.

“I’m really happy for him. He has been probably as good a player at his position, even though he’s a specialist, as anybody that we’ve ever had here. and he’s even a better person,” Saban said following No. 11 Alabama’s 24-21 win over Arkansas. ” … I think this is one of the good things that (NIL) brings to players. A guy didn’t have to be poor and not be able to earn money and be able to come back and do that as a college player opposed to going to the draft, being a free agent possibly, not making the team, and then you’re out.”

Three kickers were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft: Jake Moody (Michigan to Dallas Cowboys), Chad Ryland (Eastern Michigan to New England Patriots) and Anders Carlson (Auburn to Green Bay Packers). Two other undrafted players are also starters. Reichard, meanwhile, tried to better his touchback rate — he’s improved to 60% through seven games, he was at 50% in 2022 — and has agreed to multiple sponsorship deals.

Since NCAA v. Alston in 2021, Reichard has entered agreements with Barstool Sports, Cameo, software company ScienceLogic, the University’s NIL arm Yea Alabama. Most notably, a Goldman Sachs commercial with Texas kicker Bert Auburn aired in September. Financial information related to NIL isn’t a matter of public disclosure, but there’s no denying Reichard is a recognizable face among the current roster. The Hoover native usually receives one of the louder ovations during pregame intros in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“That’s one of the very good things I think about name, image, and likeness, and players have opportunities to get a better quality of life while they’re in college,” Saban said. “They can stay and advance their career when they need to, and Will was smart enough to understand that that was something that could benefit him and his future.”

Reichard’s return, along with punter James Burnip, has granted Alabama an elite special teams unit. Reichard has yet to miss a field goal in 13 attempts. He’s made 25 straight dating back to last season. Saban commended Reichard for his punts when he had to replace an injured Burnip at Texas A&M.

Reichard will carry his streak into next week’s game against Tennessee. The 52-49 shootout in Knoxville last year ended with a 40-yard game-winner by Chase McGrath.

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].