Alabama kicker commit explains decision to team up with the Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide landed their second special teams commitment of the 2025 cycle on Wednesday.

Last month, Bama extended a scholarship offer to punter Alex Asparuhov, who committed during his official visit with Kalen DeBoer‘s program. Less than three weeks later, Alabama added kicker Peter Notaro to the fold. Notaro, who hails from North Allegheny HS in Pittsburgh, joined the class as a preferred walk-on commitment.

Notaro committed after landing an offer from the Tide back on June 22.

“It feels great and I am very thankful to the coaches for welcoming me into the family,” Notaro told BamaOnLine. “Alabama has one of the strongest, if not the strongest culture in college football. I am already feeling that.”

The other schools that also offered Notaro were Pittsburgh, Ohio State, and West Virginia. The Buckeyes offered Notaro an hour after Alabama did last month.

The Northeast product explained why he ultimately chose DeBoer, Jay Nuñez and Company over those other options.

“For me, the biggest factors that went into it were where I could see myself the most, and where I could help the team most,” Notaro said. “Relationships were also very key as I have a great relationship with Coach Nuñez and Coach DeBoer, and there are no better coaches to have than them. I know they are going to develop me into the best kicker I can be while also pushing me to become the best man I can be, and I am all for that.”

Notaro elaborated on his thoughts on DeBoer and his interactions with him thus far.

“He is a leader and that’s how he carries himself,” Notaro said of DeBoer. “He’s a very determined person and he treats all of his players/recruits great and treats everyone with respect. He is a role model, and definitely as a player, you want to be led by him.”

Notaro spoke highly of Alabama special teams coach Jay Nuñez

Although he lives in Pennsylvania, Notaro has made it a point to visit Alabama as many times as possible this year.

He visited twice in April and twice last month — June 8 and June 22, the latter of which he earned an offer from the Tide. Throughout these four visits, Notaro has built a good relationship with special teams coordinator Jay Nuñez.

“Coach Nuñez has always been really good to my family and I,” Notaro said. “I was at the spring game in April, and he took the time afterwards with his son to have dinner with me, my mom, and my grandfather. That definitely speaks for itself, and I know he will make me better.”

Nuñez, who played for Pittsburgh State University, is respected by Notaro and his family.

“He has worked his way up for sure as a coach after his playing days,” Notaro said of Nuñez. “He’s coaching at the highest stage in football, and he tries to be the best coach possible for his players. He really knows special teams and the little details and specifics of it. He knows how to develop specialists to the highest level, and my family and I have a lot of respect for him for everything he has done for us.”

Kohl’s Kicking tabs Notaro as the No. 4 kicker in the Class of 2025. At their March Ranking Event, Notaro graded out at the 4.5-star level as a kicker, scoring 8 points on field goals and 110.75 points on kickoffs at the event with a tailwind.

Notaro gave a little background on his journey, and says he has set his expectations high for when he arrives in Tuscaloosa.

“I came from a soccer background, and played for 11 years,” Notaro said. “I had a very bright future in soccer as I played for The Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the ECNL [Elite Clubs National League] for 7 years. Started taking kicking seriously in 10th grade, and have worked every day very hard for all of my opportunities. Being able to hit long field goals, having 60-plus range easily and hitting them under pressure consistently is what makes me stand out.

“I am very confident with my form, and I know I can trust my swing whenever I get on the field, and that is why Coach Nuñez offered me,” Notaro continued. “I have very high goals for myself, and I know at Bama I will be able to achieve them.”

At this time, Notaro is not sure if he will be back at Alabama later this month. He’s planning to return for at least a game, if not more, during the season.

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