Alabama kicker will likely commit to Tide, Tigers or Bulldogs soon
Will Reichard may have taken his last unofficial visit before he makes his decision.
The talented kicker out of Hoover (Ala.) was in Athens (Ga.) over the weekend and the Bulldogs offered offered him a scholarship. He already held offers from Alabama and LSU and a commitment to one of those three schools could be nearing.
"It is down to Alabama, Georgia and LSU and I plan on committing in the next few weeks, but if I need more time, then I will take it," said Reichard.
A couple of weeks ago, Reichard told Rivals that it was Alabama and LSU at the top of his list, but an offer from Georgia would put the Bulldogs right there with the Crimson Tide and Tigers.
That offer happened over the weekend and Reichard had a great visit to Athens.
"The coaching staff at Georgia is energetic and personable. The leadership is great and there’s a lot positive energy. They treated my mom and me very well and made us feel at home. Coach [Kirby] Smart said they really wanted me to come there and make a difference in their program.
"I like how Georgia is close to home too and also close to Atlanta. They have a lot of connections for after football and I like that."
He is a little more familiar with Alabama, an in-state school. Nick Saban offered Reichard earlier this year on a visit and one of Saban's new hires could make a difference.
"I have been to Alabama for one game every year and I was back there for a Junior Day not that long ago. That is when I was offered. Coach Saban talked to me in his office and offered, so that was cool.
"I like how Alabama is close to home, so it would allow me to see my family and it would not be hard for my family to see my games. I also like the new special teams coach, coach [Jeff] Banks, he is a cool guy. He is one of the best in the business and I think he could really change special teams at Alabama."
LSU offered last summer at a camp in Baton Rouge. Since then, Reichard has visited for a game and a Junior Day. The Tigers have impressed.
"The people at LSU are really special and they make it seem like they really want me to come there," said Reichard. "When I walked in for my last visit, the entire coaching staff was standing there waiting for me, so that made me feel special.
"I had a good academic visit when I was there last time and I see they are updating a lot of their facilities, so that is cool. The atmosphere there is great, especially at night and I love their fans."
All signs point to Reichard, not only one of the best kickers in the country, but also one of the best punters playing in the SEC. He is going to go in to the school he chooses as a kicker, but could easily punt if needed.
He is a kicker who plans to keep kicking after college is over.
"Academics are very important thing to me, but I am also going to base my decision off who I feel can develop me. I don't want to just play in college, but I want to play in the NFL too. I would like to play for championships too and be happy where I am.
"I really hope to commit in the next three to four weeks. It is something I am thinking about right now."
