Commit! Alabama Has a Kicker

Following the de-commitment of kicker prospect Brandon Ruiz, it was widely speculated that Saban would be using the scholarship on another position, a notion supported by something of a parade of walk-on candidates reportedly visiting campus.

None of them must have been terribly impressive, as the coaches went out and poached a scholarship guy:

Bulovas was previously committed to Georgia Tech and outshone Ruiz at the U.S. Army All-American game, where he made a 49-yarder and a 34-yarder. He did have one blocked, but there was absolutely nothing he could have done about it.

He certainly has a leg. This one was from 70 yards out:

Hopefully this will assuage some fears.

Roll Tide.

A few notes from CB:

Many crootin analysts assumed Bulovas decommitted from Georgia Tech on Monday so he could sign with Mississippi State. The Bullies are now left scrambling for a kicker.

Chris Sailer Kicking, the preeminent football specialists evaluator, ranks him as the #2 placekicker in the nation.

“Joseph is simply an outstanding kicker. A phenomenal athlete with a great leg. Field goals are strong and consistent off the ground. Kickoffs are outstanding, D1 ready right now. Drives the ball to the back of the end zone with ease. He's also developing into a great punter. Joseph is a competitor that does very well under pressure. A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. Scholarship pick without a doubt. Big time prospect.“

Rivals ranks him as the #1 kicker; 247 has him at #3, Scout #4 and ESPN #7. They all give him three stars, which is almost always the highest rating kickers get.

At 6'0” and 205 lbs, Bulovas is a good athlete. He also punted and played some quarterback at Mandeville (Louisiana) High School.