Links associated with this release:
Place Kickers
Punters
Return Specialists
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Football Season Preview, Part Three: Special Teams 8/5/2005 A Commodore Necessity: Improved Results From Special Teams Simply stated, the Commodores need to improve in every phase of the kicking game if they plan to win more frequently. In 2004, Vanderbilt ranked last in the SEC in net punting average, field goal percentage and extra point percentage. The poor special teams also resulted in added pressure on both defensive and offensive units. The Commodore special team units started the season in promising style, only to have injuries and inconsistency lead to a troublesome second-half of the season. A key departure is Abtin Iranmanesh, the team’s top punter and kickoff specialist for the last two years. Halfway through the 2004 season, Patrick Johnson (5-10, 180, Jr.) was one of the SEC’s most consistent kickers, only to struggle mightily during the last five games. Johnson was much more consistent in Spring drills, but enters camp in open competition with a number of prospects, including redshirt freshman Daniel Lee (5-11, 182), incoming freshman Bryant Hahnfeldt (5-11, 185) and junior walk-on Leon Solimani (6-0, 190). With Iranmanesh having graduated, the Commodores need a punting candidate to step forward during preseason camp. Kyle Keown (6-0, 205, So.), who earned game experience last year when Iranmanesh was injured, will get an opportunty to claim the job, though he will compete with others, including Bill Robertson (6-1, 200, Jr.). Two newcomers, Hahnfeldt and Jake Bradford, arrive on campus with solid punting experience on the prep level. During preseason camp, the Commodores will search to replace both return specialists following the loss of Kwane Doster and Dominique Morris. While several candidates remain in consideration, the coaches are likely to see what develops in August before naming the specialists. |