Miami Coach Claims Alabama Illegally Recruited Kicker Graham Nicholson

When Alabama football needed a new kicker, they chose one of the best in the country, Graham Nicholson, who had an outstanding season at Miami of Ohio. Nicholson, who won the Lou Groza Award last season, transferred to Alabama.

Miami of Ohio’s coach, Chuck Martin, was upset about the transfer. In a recent interview on the Redhawks' official site, Martin expressed his frustration.

“We didn’t lose him, he’s at Alabama,” Martin said. “It’s clear where he is. The media is pretending otherwise. Alabama took our kicker through illegal means. This is a fact, even if people act like it isn’t. Everyone knows what’s happening.”

Martin added that other schools also tried to recruit Nicholson but were unsuccessful.

Nicholson was the first player from the Mid-American Conference to win the Groza Award last season, beating out Will Reichard, another finalist.

Nicholson is competing for the starting kicker spot at Alabama with Conor Talty. Alabama’s head coach, Kalen DeBoer, praised Nicholson’s confidence and performance in preseason camp.

“He’s a great addition to the team,” DeBoer said. “We’re happy to have him, and the team has welcomed him. His past achievements show he’s really good.”

Alabama will start the 2024 season on August 31 against Western Kentucky. Meanwhile, Miami of Ohio is searching for a new kicker, with Dom Dzioban and Kellan McLaughlin in the running.

Martin concluded, “Losing a good player is never easy, but we’re excited for Dom and Kellen. Even though most of us are unhappy, there are two kids who are happy Alabama took our kicker.”