EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings kicking competition has been decided.
Minnesota waived John Parker Romo earlier this week in order to make a roster spot for free agent defensive back Bobby McCain, leaving rookie kicker Will Reichard at the position.
Reichard, whom the Vikings drafted in the sixth round out of Alabama, hasn't taken long to impress coaches and teammates.
"When he first came in here, he understood what he was up against. The job wasn't just going to be given to him because he was a draft pick," Vikings Special Teams Coordinator Matt Daniels told media members Wednesday. "He truly wanted to earn … the respect of his teammates and win the job.
"We got to a point, obviously, where there were some roster changes that needed to happen," Daniels continued, "and as a result, we had to make that move. But Will has done an unbelievable job since he's gotten here. You've all kind of gotten a good look what he's capable of doing."
Reichard shined for the Crimson Tide, making 22-of-25 field goals attempted last season, including a 5-for-5 showing from 50-plus yards a long of 52. He currently holds the title of the NCAA's all-time leading scorer.
Daniels and Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell appreciate Reichard's unflappable nature and constant drive to improve his craft.
"He's a guy that really maintains a good, neutral mindset. You truly never know if he's in a good mood or when he's in a bad mood," Daniels said. "You know, he can go perfect one day and he's still just even-keel. It's like, 'That was a good day,' and he'll tell you, 'Oh, on a scale of 1-10, that was a five.' 'You went perfect every ball and went all the way back to 60,' and he's like, 'Nah, that wasn't good enough.'
"He has expectations. He has high standards," Daniels added.
Reichard demonstrated his temperament when speaking with a group of media members following Tuesday's training camp practice.
Holding his cleats in his hand, he said he's only focused on getting better one day at a time.
"It's always going to be trying to be as good as I can be, no matter the circumstance," Reichard said. "Just trying to come out and get to work every single day and try to be the best version of myself, trying to get better. I think that's still going to be my mindset, as it was [when competing with Romo]."
Asked if he's counting down the days to Minnesota's first preseason game, Reichard noted he's not in any rush with the process but was looking forward to heading to U.S. Bank Stadium Wednesday afternoon with Daniels, long snapper Andrew DePaola and punters Ryan Wright and Seth Vernon.
"We're going to the stadium to kick, and it'll be the first time I can get in there," he said. "And then, we'll just take it day by day."
O'Connell believes Reichard, though young, is ready to handle the responsibilities of an NFL kicker.
The SEC stage wasn't too big for him, nor the lights too bright, and O'Connell expects that confidence and collectedness to transfer to this next level.
"I know he's up for it. He's done a really good job," O'Connell said.
With Reichard named Minnesota's kicker, Daniels and the rookie have had multiple discussions about goals for training camp and the preseason ahead of his regular-season NFL debut.
"I really appreciate the edginess that he has, the mindset he has, and that's the reason we drafted him," Daniels said.
Reflecting on the past few months since being selected by Minnesota, Reichard said there's no better scenario for him.
"This is a great spot. Obviously, landing myself in a great group of guys, obviously with DePo (DePaola) being in the league for so long, Ryan being here, Seth also competing," he said. "Great group of coaches, great group of rookie class, too, and then just a lot of guys on the team, everyone in the building has been awesome. So I'm super glad I ended up here."
Has he had a "welcome-to-the-NFL moment" yet?
For half a second, Reichard cracked a quick grin before answering.
"Not yet because I haven't had to stand up and sing yet," he said, referencing a training camp tradition asking rookies sing in front of the team. "But it's getting close. I've got to get a song ready."
