question re: special teams

radbag · Post by **radbag** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 6:01 pm

Anyone have a strong opinion as to how our special teams play has looked thus far relative to last years? Obviously we can only guage as per our observations at practice so it is tough to predict but the special teams play last year imo was such an integral part of last years successes, I can't help but think that less than equal to last years may not be good enough to win.

I buy into the fact that we are faster than last year so I am mildly optimistic that we can rival last years execution. Are we ok on coverage? Is ijjas lookin strong and reliable? What about the freshman punter?

Opinions? Thoughts? Thanks!

TheTodd · Post by **TheTodd** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 6:27 pm

I'd say that special teams have looked tremendously better than in the past but I don't have any solid data to prove that. FG kicking wasn't good but I thought UF did very well on punt coverage. Ok on kick coverage, although they seemed to get better as the year went on. I then there were the blocks. And also the returns by Brandon James. Several were called back because if very questionable block in the back calls. I think we can be better that last season(s) because I think they will have better execution and I think we will have a better FG kicker. I'd certainly say that Urban puts more into being good at special teams than SOS did.

a1bion · Post by **a1bion** » Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:27 pm

I'm interested in seeing how Ijjas handles kicking duties full time. He was good on kickoffs last season and he was obviously good enough in the off season to earn a scholly. We'll see how it translates in real time.

And that punt formation we use still gives me heart attacks, even though it has been pretty effective.

annarborgator · Post by **annarborgator** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:24 am

our punting will likely be inconsistent early in the season considering the fact that we have a FR punter. he's got a damn strong leg but he's adjusting from 3 steps down to 2.

coverage teams, IMO will be better because Meyer has sold alot of these young badass kids the idea that special teams is HOW YOU EARN playing time. he said it himself recently...this year he has every young kid begging him just to play special teams. they have the mindset to be able to sell out on special teams, which, IMO, is very important.

i have faith in Ijjas because he worked and earned his scholly.