When it comes time to project the 2014 season, Longhorn fans are quick to talk about David Ash’s health, offensive line play and a thin secondary. A closer examination reveals that there is a different area that has more questions than any other – special teams.
After more than a decade of dominance from the Texas special teams unit, fans probably take them for granted. Regardless, the truth is that the importance of special teams is vastly underrated.
The most memorable name in special teams from last season was Anthony Fera. The kicker and punter was praised and awarded (rightfully so) more than any other player on the team. Though Fera deserved recognition, little to nothing was said about the rest of the special teams (kickoff return, punt return, etc).
Absent Fera’s contributions in 2013, the special teams units have been a bleak area for the Longhorns in recent years. In 2013, Mack Brown stuck with his 2012 kick coverage coaches in Manny Diaz and Duane Akina even though that season was a sub-par year for the coverage units compared to those Texas had in prior years.
In addition to working with the defensive backs, Charlie Strong tabbed Chris Vaughn to take the lead on special teams. Vaughn has the daunting task to make Texas’ special teams a force to be reckoned with by starting from scratch when searching for returners.
With recent suspensions and dismissals forcing changes in the lineup for punt and kick returners this season, Coach Vaughn will rely on veterans to carry the torch and lead the team. Texas only averaged 20.1 yards per kick return last season, so Vaughn has challenged the team’s veterans to improve that number. Vaughn has Jaxon Shipley and Quadre Diggs as his punt returners, but has been quoted as saying he will make room for players who prove that they have the power to be a reliable returner.
Preseason projections have the Longhorns picked to battle through several close games, so special teams figures to play a very significant role throughout the Fall. Without breakout star Fera, punters and kickers have huge shoes to fill before the season begins.
Fans expect an extra point after a touchdown, and booming punts and kicks that pin opposing teams deep in their own territory. Coach Vaughn is having players fight for positions, and by doing so, he is finding out which players want to live up to fan expectations.
Punter
First Unit: Will Russ
Top Reserves: Senior Michael Davidson and redshirt freshman Mitchell Becker
Given that Anthony Fera’s performance on the field was both dependable and impressive, he is arguably the biggest loss from last year’s team. Will Russ, who was hindered by a back injury last spring, is tasked with replacing Fera at punter. Russ hasn’t seen much playing time, but unlike his two predecessors, Justin Tucker and Fera, Russ will not be used as a kicker. The separation of the positions puts less pressure on Russ and should allow him to focus on the task at hand.
The key purpose of a punter is to limit the opposing team’s field position. “Hidden yards†are a key metric for punters and punt coverage teams. One of Russ’ strengths is his consistency. During the spring game, Russ’ three punts averaged 43.3 yards with two inside the 20-yard line. Expectations for Russ aren’t extremely high, so he should have the opportunity to prove himself valuable without the pressure that comes with being a Texas punter.
Place Kicker
First Unit: Nick Rose/Nick Jordan plus Will Russ as holder
