Kwajsker
Scout Team
We have added more specialists to this team over the last few months than anyone could have predicted. The additional of a scholarship punter last week and a transfer from LSU really brought to mind how committed they must be to fixing special teams. Is that take right? Does it have as much of the staff's attention as it seems? They must be fully focused on the kicking game.
Other than adding kickers and punters to compete for a single job, I wonder what else they will be doing. More 1st and 2nd stringers on the units? I wonder if it is better to load it up with young talent who doesn't make the 2 deep. Guys who can fully focus in on doing the ST job well.
I also wondered which units needed the biggest upgrades. I ranked them like this:
1.Place Kicker - we were so hampered last season with uncertainty about any FG beyond 20 yards.
2.Kick Coverage - Those kick returns we gave up were back breaking against Iowa and Wisconsin.
3. Kick Return - Was our plan to put our returning on tee and let the other team go off on him each time?
4. Punt Return - We need a guy who is our DPE and the lanes are there for him as well. I don't understand ever trying to block a punt. Just set up your returns. 10 yards per can make a huge difference in a game.
5. Punt Coverage - We were pretty good at that one.
6. Punter - after watching a guy punt backwards, my perception of quality punting will forever be tainted, leaving me fully satisfied this last year.
If ST really cost us three wins last year, (which I do not think it did) then what will it be this next year?
Other than adding kickers and punters to compete for a single job, I wonder what else they will be doing. More 1st and 2nd stringers on the units? I wonder if it is better to load it up with young talent who doesn't make the 2 deep. Guys who can fully focus in on doing the ST job well.
I also wondered which units needed the biggest upgrades. I ranked them like this:
1.Place Kicker - we were so hampered last season with uncertainty about any FG beyond 20 yards.
2.Kick Coverage - Those kick returns we gave up were back breaking against Iowa and Wisconsin.
3. Kick Return - Was our plan to put our returning on tee and let the other team go off on him each time?
4. Punt Return - We need a guy who is our DPE and the lanes are there for him as well. I don't understand ever trying to block a punt. Just set up your returns. 10 yards per can make a huge difference in a game.
5. Punt Coverage - We were pretty good at that one.
6. Punter - after watching a guy punt backwards, my perception of quality punting will forever be tainted, leaving me fully satisfied this last year.
If ST really cost us three wins last year, (which I do not think it did) then what will it be this next year?