Transfer punter Blake Doud discusses move to Alabama

Unlike former Alabama punter James Burnip, Blake Doud didn’t join the Crimson Tide from a different country. However, the Colorado School of Mines transfer still feels like he entered a new world when it comes to Power 4 football. 

“The resources here are just out of this world,” Doud said of his move to Alabama this offseaosn. “It’s been great, helping me improve my game.” 

During his first media availability with reporters on Thursday, Doud was asked a variety of interesting questions. 

Is there a size difference in the ball from Division II to Division 1? 

There isn’t. The difference in that regard is that Alabama uses Nike balls, while Colorado Mines uses Wilson. Outside of tweaking a few flaws, Doud said he hasn’t changed his punting style between the two stops, either. 

He was also asked if the difference in altitude between Colorado and Alabama changed the way he kicked. 

“I haven’t changed anything as far as the altitude,” Doud said. “Some people say it makes a difference, some people don’t. We played a couple games at sea level there, too, so I don’t think it makes that much of a difference.” 

There have been some changes for the redshirt senior since he switched teams. The most notable came when he stepped inside Alabama’s state-of-the-art weight room. 

“It was very eye-opening,” Doud said. “I could feel it in my body, sore every single day, the running and the weight lifting. I think that greatly helped me build those fast-twitch muscles and just be more consistent.” 

Those workouts have paid off this year, as Doud is averaging a respectable 44.24 yards on eight punts this season. That includes a season-best showing at South Carolina, where he averaged 55.4 yards on five punts with a long of 60 yards. Doud dropped three of those punts inside the 20-yard line, helping Alabama flip the field during its 29-22 win. 

“It was good,” Doud said. “It was nice to put together a consistent game, and I want to keep building on it and keep improving.” 

On top of his punting duties, Doud also serves as Alabama’s holder on field goals and extra points. He’s helped kicker Connor Talty connect on 9 of 13 field-goal attempts and all 30 of his extra-point tries. 

“I feel like I’ve done a good job,” Doud said. “I think we work on it every single day, improving our operation to make sure it’s the best we can do.” 

As far as the rest of his transition is concerned, Doud said he spoke with Burnip for a few pointers on how to succeed as an Alabama punter. 

“He just told me to play my game, do what I can do,” Doud said. “It’s the same thing, same field. The field didn’t get changed at all, just punt the ball.”