FB Recruiting Spring Preview, Part V: Special teams in the spotlight

[JRowland]

We're up to the fifth installment of our spring preview series here at Cats Illustrated. So far we've touched on the QB competition looming, the offensive staff changes, the defensive line turnover, the need to find a pass rush in a broader sense and, now, here we are: Special teams in the spotlight.

Kentucky made progress on special teams in some respects last year. But not enough progress.

With Andy Buh now officially the special teams coordinator, here's an in-depth look at the special teams situation last year, some good goals to target for realistic improvement this year, and more.

STORY: Special teams in the spotlight

 

[UKCatNnc]

Thanks JRowland. It doesn't sound too good does it? Like the DL, we really need to see a big improvement. Go Cats!!

 

[JRowland]

Well, I think it's too early to tell. I think things can turn from the wrong direction to the right direction a lot faster than people think when you've got some talent in place. For the first time I think UK has the baseline talent level required for a quick turnaround under the right circumstances. Special teams can improve from one year to the next in a hurry, I'd imagine, without any macrostats to back that up. You're good at kicker. You know the coverage improved from the previous year, so why not more (esp. with two more coaches w/ ST experience added)? Basically think a lot rides on McKinniss. Glass half full view says it's very unlikely even a true freshman McKinniss struggles as much as Foster did last year. Bottom really fell out for him. And also, the offense's inability to move the ball away from their own goal line often turned bad punts into awful punts. It's interconnected and that means a small number of important things improving (QB play, pass rush, turnover margin) can make everything look better.

 

[JasonRDunn]

I agree with what Justin is saying. ST can go from bad to pretty good (and vice versa) pretty quick. If we can just get back to great punts and reliable kicks, I think that would help significantly.

 

[jauk11]

Thanks, nice article.

 

[WildCard]

Good series JR.

Regarding the kicking game, I was taught (and still believe) that ST play is more about not making bad plays rather than making good plays. In fact, way back when, we were taught the "don'ts" of the kicking game...

> Don't be off side (punt returns)
> Don't rough the kicker (punt returns)
> Don't drop the ball (punt returns)*
> Don't clip (punt and KO returns)
> Don't leave your lane (punting and kicking)

* Special note here about the need to have a sure handed and fearless punt returner. You don't have to return it; just catch it with guys breathing in your face mask.

Peace