Alabama has addressed a key offseason need on special teams, adding an experienced in-state punter through the NCAA transfer portal as the Crimson Tide reshapes its roster ahead of the upcoming season.
According to a report from Bama247, the program added former North Alabama punter Adam Watford, an All-Conference specialist whose production over the past three seasons established him as one of the most consistent field-position weapons at the FCS level.
Watford, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound native of Dothan, earned United Athletic Conference Co-Specialist of the Year honors following a standout 2025 campaign. Alabama turned to the transfer portal after losing its 2025 starting punter, creating an opportunity for competition at the position.
As reported by Bama247, Watford punted 66 times for 3,073 yards during the 2025 season, averaging 46.5 yards per attempt across 12 games. His longest punt traveled 74 yards. He recorded 21 punts of 50 yards or more, placed 18 punts inside the 20-yard line, and finished the season with eight touchbacks.
That performance also placed Watford in the North Alabama record book. He produced 17 punts of at least 50 yards during the 2025 season — a single-season mark during the program’s FCS era — and finished his career with 32 punts exceeding 50 yards, the most in school history, according to Bama247.
Watford appeared in all 12 games during the 2024 season, tallying 46 punts for 1,877 yards while averaging 40.8 yards per punt. He pinned nine punts inside the 20-yard line and recorded three touchbacks that year.
As a freshman in 2023, Watford earned Freshman All-America honors after punting in 11 games. He logged 57 punts for 2,411 yards and averaged 42.3 yards per attempt. His average ranked 22nd nationally and second among all freshmen, while he led freshmen nationwide in total punt yardage.
At Alabama, Watford joins a punter group that includes Alex Asparuhov. Blake Doud, who served as the Crimson Tide’s starting punter in 2025, is no longer with the program, according to Bama247.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News and 256 Today. You may contact her at [email protected].
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