Overlooked -- This Year's Special Teams

[btcane]

Haven't seen much talk about this year's special teams upside. First, coached personally by 'The Tie' himself. Second, O'Donnell should be great, albeit for only 1 year. Third, great depth at TE & LB gives upgrade to ST. And Fourth, I assume Coley or Elder will replace Dorsett as return man. (Maybe Burns.)

Only question is Field Goal kicking.

 

[AUcane]

One thing I always look at is our coverage units. Last year's units were remarkably effective considering we had guys like Fentress, Swasey, et al, having big roles. Those types of guys are being gradually replaced by the Carters, Figs, Graces, et al of the world. That makes a huge difference and I think our coverage units will be great.,

 

[bomb]

I think ST is an incredibly accurate reflection of the status of a program, including personnel and coaching. Every year AG is here our talent level is improving, and I am very excited to hear that he's going to personally run special teams.

I expect ST to take a nice leap forward this year. Which is saying something because it was pretty solid last year.

Want to really do an overly simplistic evaluation of a teams overall athleticism? Check out its punt coverage teams. During our best years, we often gave up an average of 1 yard per PR or less.

 

[NotoriousJJE]

Last year's special teams were markedly improved form years past. Would love to see them keep improving. I agree with bomb, great measure of a team's athleticism and talent is displayed in ST.

 

[SFbayCane]

Im VERY CONCERNED about our field goal kicking. The kid who kicked at the Naples high scrimmage (and the spring game) did not impress me at all. I'd really like to see more of the little spanish kid who's walking on. Its really tough for a kicker to transition from HS to college but this kid might be our better option.


Im also looking forward to seeing Corn Elder returning kicks. I do NOT want to see Duke Johnson returning kicks. No need to overuse him in this regard. There's other options.

 

[TriStarCane]

I love special teams. I love PD4, but I would like someone with a little more wiggle and burst and punt returner. The problem is that fielding punts in college can be tough, so you have to have someone that can catch them. I think our punt return and punt block are areas we can improve the most and set up our offense with great field position. No reason not to house a few punts this year!

 

[bAMACANE]

I just wanna see someone other than Duke housing returns.

 

[RiDLer80]

I'm thinking Elder gets a shirt this year so we won't be seeing him return kicks.

I'm hoping we get a look at Burns at KOR and Coley at KOR and punt return. I don't want to see Duke return kicks full-time either. Only in key situations.

I'd like to also see Crawford return punts. He's the type of shifty, quick player that makes a good punt returner.

 

[CaniacMike21]

We've got a **** of a punter, so that part should be great at least.

 

[Port Knox]

I'm thinking Elder gets a shirt this year so we won't be seeing him return kicks.

I'm hoping we get a look at Burns at KOR and Coley at KOR and punt return. I don't want to see Duke return kicks full-time either. Only in key situations.

I'd like to also see Crawford return punts. He's the type of shifty, quick player that makes a good punt returner.

Antonio?

 

[canes1977]

I just wanna see someone other than Duke housing returns.

This. I am sure he'd take a few returns back, but it just is not worth risking injury.

 

[marshallrc13]

I think special teams is one of the most important aspects of a team. It allows you to change field position for the better which is key when your defense is not quite up to par. It also can change a game in a matter of seconds. I DO NOT however like having someone like Duke on KO teams. Way more chance of injury and he is far too important to this offense. If Elder is the guy that can return kicks ***** a redshirt. I am quite sure with all the talent we have brought in over the last few classes, surely we can find someone other than Duke.

 

[Picksix]

Elder, Coley, and Burns will all have a chance to see what they can do in the return game.

 

[RiDLer80]

I'm thinking Elder gets a shirt this year so we won't be seeing him return kicks.

I'm hoping we get a look at Burns at KOR and Coley at KOR and punt return. I don't want to see Duke return kicks full-time either. Only in key situations.

I'd like to also see Crawford return punts. He's the type of shifty, quick player that makes a good punt returner.

Antonio?

Meant Dallas.

 

[CaneShades]

I want to see burns return. I would like to see some block punts. I think we got one last yr. The kicking game is scaring me. Punt game should be great.