Position Preview: Special Teams

We have conducted our position group analysis for both the defense and offense.  Today we will do our final position group analysis and focus on the special teams.


Special teams are often the forgotten piece of the puzzle.  Punt and kick returns can shift the momentum in seconds.  A field goal can win the game.  A bad snap can put the defense in hole.  All of these plays occur during special teams.  Each component can win or lose the game.

The Jacks return key special teams talent but lose kick off specialist, Sam Koob, and  long snapper Thayer Trenhaile who have played key roles for the Jacks in recent years.


#4 Chase Vinatieri returns as the kicker for his sophomore year after a solid freshman season.  Chase made 11 of 17 kicks including the game winning 40 yard kick against Villanova in the second round of the playoffs.  He also made a clutch 42 yard field goal in the Jacks defeat of NDSU.  However, Chase was only 2-8 on field goals from greater than 40 yards.

#49 Brady Hale is back for his junior year to handle the punting duties.  Hale really found his rhythm and confidence in 2016.  On his 47 punts, Brady averaged 42.6 yards per punt including 14 fare catches and 14 inside the 20.  Brady also had 7 punts travel over 50 yards.  Hale was named to the MVFC Honorable Mention pre-season list.

#52 Brady Sorenson joins the Jacks as the long snapper after the graduation of the ultra-reliable Thayer Trenhaile.  Sorenson is battling with #2 Christian Rozeboom and needs to show that he can break down and make a tackle if needed. 

#11 Marquise Lewis handled the put return duties as a freshman and did an admirable job.  On 21 attempts he averaged 4 yards per return with a long of 18 yards. #15 Cade Johnson has been also practicing as the punt returner this summer. 

#44 Brady Mengarelli was the primary kick returner for the Jackrabbits.  Brady finished with an average of 21.4 yards per return on 26 attempts.  It will be interesting to see if he handles the kickoff duties this season because of the value he brings to the Jackrabbit offense.

#1 Jacob Brown and #26 Mikey Daniel also assisted in kick return duties last season and did a solid job when called upon.  #80 Adam Anderson, #15 Cade Johnson and #18 Marshon Harris have also tried their hand in kick return and have performed well in practice. 

#18 Deyon Campbell and #84 Isaiah Hill are true freshmen who could assist in the return game because of their pure world class speed.  Both handled returns in high school and if they prove themselves reliable, they could contribute in 2017.

The Jacks have lots of young athletes at linebacker, safety, and cornerback. Linebackers Dalton Cox, Jessup Workman, and safety Lorenzo Williams are core special teams players from 2016 who are back for another year.

No matter who gets on the field for any of the units, they need to do their 1/11th.  A missed block or not staying in their lane on coverage units can have game changing effects.  In the return game, Coach Arnheim has stressed communication and getting up to top speed quickly.  Lets hope those explosive plays go in the Jacks favor in 2017!

Go Jacks!
-Matt

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