TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Sophomore Cade Foster earned a scholarship to Alabama because of his strong leg.

He handles the Crimson Tide's long field-goal attempts, and he also handles the kickoffs.

Of his 37 kickoffs so far this season, only one has resulted in a touchback. He is averaging 63.4 yards per kickoff. Opposing kickers are averaging 68.5 yards, and two of 11 kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks.

Opponents are averaging only 18.4 yards per kickoff return because most of Foster's kickoffs have been high.

"No, they are not high and short by design," Alabama coach Nick Saban said Monday when questioned about the possible tactic.

"I wish we would kick it in the stands. I can't tell you why."

Foster kicks well in practice, Saban said.

"He has to have confidence that if he carries over those same fundamentals in the game, that that's going to be the best way to get the best results," Saban said. "That's something that he has to continue to work through psychologically, so that he's confident and believing in the process.

"It's no different than my golf swing. When I swing it right, I hit it straight, and when I don't, it goes sideways, and it doesn't go very far. And I can't tell you why."