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| Chuck Jacobs, alone in the end zone, with people behind him = Touchdowns |
Alright kids, it's officially game week, so let's get down to previewing this bad boy!
First up is special teams, which once again doesn't look to be anything too special.
COVERAGE
In theory, this year could see an improvement in the kick and punt coverage teams. As the talent level of the program has continued upward, the guys assigned to special teams should perform better than previous years as well. Between the linebacker and cornerback positions alone, there are 30 guys on the roster, leaving plenty of guys outside of the two-deep that you would hope are hungry enough for snaps that they'll want to make an impact on special teams. There are also a handful of young offensive linemen who could make a splash here.
Main point being though, there are quality starters and quality depth at most positions and only so many snaps to go around. There are also plenty of younger guys who will have a chance to make some big plays on special teams this year. Given the mentality that seems to be around this team now, I'm guessing we'll see a solid improvement in this area over the last few years.
Preseason vibe: Optimistic
PUNTERS
Tyler Bennett is back for his senior season and should continue to be solid at what he does. Bennett left little to complain about as a junior last year, even if it wasn't a ton to brag about either. He's solid enough at what he does and fairly consistent. A lot of the time, you can't really ask for much more than that!
Preseason vibe: Feeling alright
KICKERS
Really, there's nothing to be very optimistic about here. Brock Warren looked OK at times during camp, as did Nick Diaz. Jacob Haueter is solid as a kickoff specialist, and is an alright option if the team is ever taking one of those "why the hell not" types of field goal attempts from 50+ yards out. If I had to guess, I'd say Diaz will be the main guy, but the lack of clear-cut separation from anyone at this position is discouraging.
Basically, going for it on 4th down will be the better option just about every time.
Preseason vibe: Swear words
KICK RETURNERS
If I had to guess, I'd say Kerwynn Williams won't be taking any more kick returns as the anchor of the running game. But really, K-Dub wasn't the best kick return guy on the team last year anyway. That honor goes to one Chuck Jacobs, whose speed and acceleration made him a big return threat each time out. He could be a game-changer again at that spot if he's allowed to keep that job.
With all the wide receivers, running backs and cornerbacks on the roster, chances are that someone else will step up and surprise in this role too. If I were betting on one who could really light up the return game, I'm picking Joe Hill.
Preseason vibe: Mildly excited
PUNT RETURNERS
If the punt return team is able to give guys time to actually return punts this year, Jacobs could be a go-to guy there too. That hasn't really been the case the last few years though. More often than not, opposing team's punts get downed by coverage team, or fair caught. If I'm betting on who ends up as the hands guy to fair catch punts and maybe make the occasional short return, I'm picking Cam Webb. His shown great hands all camp and seems to fit that role as a safe bet back there. As long as they don't muff any punts this year, I'll be satisfied with whatever this unit does.
Preseason vibe: No turnovers please
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