Kenny Perry talks special teams approach entering year 4
The special teams unit has had to make some last-minute adjustments, specifically due to the injury to running back Quinten Joyner, which has caused J’Koby Williams, one of Texas Tech’s top kick returners, to shift his focus to running back specifically.
However, special teams coach Kenny Perry isn’t concerned with how his group looks, especially with all the players who have stepped up, including some young freshmen and transfers who have earned the right to show what they can do. Perry met with the media on Tuesday to discuss his group, which players have stood out to him, and how they will make an impact on special teams this season.
Newest kickoff and punt returners for Perry
With Williams and Cam Dickey now being the main two running backs, that has left a space for the primary kickoff and punt returners. The depth chart for Saturday’s game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff lists sophomore Micah Hudson as the starting kickoff returner and Roy Alexander as the starting punt returner. Both are new faces in those roles, replacing previous starters from last season, as well as some young freshmen who are also in the mix.
“Micah’s an explosive player, and he’s going to get a chance,” Perry said. “As well as Roy, as well as Leyton Stone, as well as Tristian Gentry. He’s another one that I didn’t talk enough about. Those guys are going to get a shot… Bryson Jones is another kid who I’ve really fallen in love with. Goes hard, really competitive.
We’ve talked about (John) Curry and what he’s going to do for us. TJ West is another one. Kelby Valsin, those guys are finally growing up and it’s fun watching them kind of take the next step… Marcus Ramon-Edwards, I can’t wait until he gets back.”
Having some young players who are showing they will be in the rotation this fall helps them learn from older players like Hudson and Alexander, who have both done kickoff and punt returns in the past.
“He (Micah) did it in high school. The same with Tristian Gentry. You’re going to see Tristian Gentry on Saturday as well,” Perry said. “Roy’s done a great job. Great practice player, he’s showed that he has sure hands. Coy Eakin is another one… I can put Coy back there any game, any time, and I know I’m going to get the ball caught. Those young guys deserve a chance, and these first three games is the time to see if they can do it.”
Kicking competition
Throughout the spring and fall camps, the competition for who will be kicking the extra points and field goals for the Red Raiders hasn’t been settled, and it still won’t be going into the season, as all three kickers are competitive in practice and can kick in big games.
“We’ve had good competition between the guys. Stone’s (Harrington) had a great camp,” Perry said. “We’re going to go into it with two kickers. Ian (Hershey) will probably punt some, hopefully get a chance to kick as well… we’ve had a great battle. Stone’s been great, so he’s going to handle the kickoff duties.”
How Perry sees this year different from the past
Everyone knows this season is filled with expectations, specifically because of the talent brought in from the transfer portal, as well as the return of key players. However, this team has learned to block out the noise and come together as a group, just enjoying football.
“Everyone’s got their opinion of what we’re supposed to be like. The one thing that I can tell you, this being my 34th year, man, I love coming to practice,” Perry said. “These guys work their butt off. They’re fun to be around. I get up every day, and I love coming here. I think coach (McGuire) has done a great job of blending these players and our staff because we have a lot of fun with these guys… I’m just ready to play somebody else.”
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