Starters on Special Teams

[57stratdawg]

Kyle Niblet just tweeted a photo of McKinney jumping to block a kick. I couldn't help but notice MWells, JLove, JCox, BRown, and Eulls all out there on FG unit against UAfvckingB. And hell, I just couldn't make out the numbers.

Ive seen Wells and Cox covering kickoffs too. I think Love is a gunner on punt coverage.

Mullen, if one of our NFLDraft picks on D gets hurt on special teams, it'll be a gigantic blunder on your part. It's hard to see the risk not outweighing the rewards in those type decisions. Especially considering the massive amount of capable under-classmen we have on this roster.

Maybe someone can post the photo for me.

 

[engie]

McKinney, Cox, Wells all have among the best leaping abilities on the team. Makes sense that they would be on that unit...

 

[mdbryant2010]

It's football, every play is dangerous. Our special teams are bad enough. I'm fine with playing our studs.

 

[BigMotherTucker]

Collins says that if you can't play ST's then you can't play for us.

 

[57stratdawg]

Dez Harris, Richie Brown, Shumpert, Iring-Sills, DEvans, Turtle, ZJackson, those guys can do it. No sense risking a starter if we're as deep as we've been lead to believe.

 

[121Josey]

You're worried about FG defense? Why trot a whole new defense out there for the kick?

 

[Lawdawg.sixpack]

They're our special teams 1b's. Gotta get them some reps.

 

[sipDawg98]

Mullen has traditionally put some starters on special teams. One benefit is that if/when they do go to the NFL, it makes them more valuable because coaches know that they can contribute on their special teams. Can be the difference between being on the team and being on the couch.

 

[aTotal360]

We can't make one. Might as well try to block one.

 

[patdog]

How many times do you see someone get hurt on the FG defense unit? Seriously, you're just looking for stuff to ***** about. Lots of teams play starters on special teams. That's one of the ways Frank Beamer built VA Tech into a national power.

 

[GloryDawg]

Mullen has traditionally put some starters on special teams. One benefit is that if/when they do go to the NFL, it makes them more valuable because coaches know that they can contribute on their special teams. Can be the difference between being on the team and being on the couch.

I think it is more common then everyone thinks.

 

[Hump4Hoops]

Have to agree about FG defense.

Thats nothing like a punk/kickoff. Its jumping and timing - and its a play where you may need to defend against a trick play. I would be upset if we didnt have starters in.

 

[UncleEddie]

100% disagree. Special teams play is extremely important and can win or lose games for you. Put your best players out there. Playing to protect your players is a huge ***** move. For example, Gurley at Georgia returning kicks. I'm sure they have someone else that could do a decent job but they know he is the best and what happens?? He houses one the first game. Play to win, not to protect your players.

 

[Digging dog]

Special team players = over achievers in practice to Merlinz