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Ryan Niblett is returning his way to a historic season

by: Justin Nash3 hours ago
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Ryan Niblett (Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Ryan Niblett is in the middle of a historic season returning punts. Not only for the Texas record books, but in the Division I FBS record books as well. Already a threat headed into the Red River Shootout, he started a three-game streak of massive punt returns that have helped the Longhorns keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. With his presence commanding full attention, he will face a tough road for the history books.

Niblett has racked up 408 yards in punt returns with two touchdowns. Good for 25.5 yards per punt return, Niblett in on pace to sit among the best seasons in FBS history. Already at 16 punt returns, he has had more returns than each of the top five record holders by average punt return. He’s cementing himself as an elite returner.

Not only is he threatening the FBS record books, but Niblett is pushing for multiple Texas punt return records. As it stands, Niblett is well on pace for finishing with the best return average in school history. He may be able to go for Nathan Vasher‘s total punt return yard record, a record that is just 146 yards away.

Most people didn’t expect to see such a season from the third year player, especially one that was thinking about leaving Texas. But Steve Sarkisian convinced him to stay. So how did we get here?

Niblett first made his presence as a punt returner known against UTEP when he returned the first punt for 23 yards. After a string of out of bounds punts to keep him away from the ball, he returned a punt 49 yards almost back to the original line of scrimmage.

The first two attempts versus Sam Houston only went for seven yards. The next return, he busted open a 49 yard punt return and cemented his ability as an electric returner.

Heading into the Oklahoma game, he was certainly on the radar of the opposing special teams unit in prep. The first of two punts didn’t give Niblett an opportunity to return the ball, the second one did. He broke loose for a massive 75-yard return scoring a touchdown.

The Longhorn offense wasn’t doing anything in Lexington for the first 22 minutes. The game sat in a scoreless tie until Niblett busted open a 45-yard return that saw him finish five yards shy of another touchdown. Later he returned another punt for 43 yards, not a bad day in Lexington.

Niblett got a solid return on the opening punt versus Mississippi State, but was held to 25 yards on three ensuing attempts. The last attempt was the big one, and potentially saved the season for the Longhorns. If he doesn’t get this, Texas has to drive 50-80 yards to tie the game.

Texas will lean on Niblett’s ability to return the football. Teams will be stuck between letting Niblett return and choosing to punt out of bounds intentionally, the ultimate sign of respect as a return man. However the defense will need to force punts early in drives to give him the space for a returnable punt.

One thing is for sure, he is a deadly weapon that teams are aware of by now.

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