Nothing like a 73-yard field goal to add some juice to fan expectations for a kicker.
Alabama commitment Eddy Pineiro took to Twitter over the weekend with a claim, backed by video, of a 73-yard field goal:
That would be nine yards better than Matt Prater's NFL record of 64 yards, set in 2013.
Impressive as the kick clearly was, we're taking Pineiro's word for it that it cleared the crossbar; Twitter video from that far away doesn't exactly provide conclusive proof. Not that we're doubting -- the junior college transfer obviously has a big leg -- and he can be found elsewhere on social media making some other kicks that are very, very long, if not 73 yards.
Pineiro went to Alabama's kicking camp earlier this summer and accepted a scholarship offer after an impressive showing there. Soon enough, Crimson Tide fans will learn if he's equally effective in the face of a rush, in a packed stadium, and in a pressure-filled SEC game.
For now, however, he looks awfully good with none of those difficulties weighing on him.
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *@ChaseGoodbread*.