Kick coverage to date

[Volosaurus rex]

In evaluating the progress of our team to date, many contributors have noted the dramatic improvement that Michael Palardy has made, both as a placekicker and, even more so, as punter. He has become almost Colquitt-esque in terms of his ability to flip the field.

A less heavily emphasized point pertains to improvements that our special teams have made in kick and punt coverage. Thus far, opponents have returned 24 kickoffs for 521 yards, which averages to just under 22 yards per return. The longest kickoff return surrendered this year was only 38 yards. Punt coverage has been even better. Opponents have returned 15 punts for only 70 yards and 40 of those yards came on one return by Oregon. Taking that return out of the equation, opponents have returned the other 14 punts for a miniscule 30 yards. Indeed, our last four opponents (Florida, South Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina) have combined to return 10 punts for 14 yards (UTSPORTS.COM - University of Tennessee Athletics - Football). Those stats don't even take into consideration the 16 punts that Michael has dropped inside the opponent's 20 yard line. The General would be very, very proud of our punting game this year. It has been a long time since our special teams have been an asset of this magnitude.

 

[P.O.T.S. VOL]

He has done a very good job. Probably partly due to the fact that he isn't worrying about his impersonator taking his job. But seriously, he and the "special teams" as a whole have done much better. CBJ and CME have done a great job. JRM had come on strong as well.

 

[Ice_Vol]

I'd say Butch truely believes it when he repeats the general's maxim. Press the kicking game, here is where the breaks are made. I've been extatic with the ST improvement.

 

[smokeyhuntsgators]

You can really tell that Butch puts extra emphasis on special teams. It's the most improved area of team play this year.

News Headline: Palardy Gains SEC Honors.

Who would have ever thought that would happen?:crazy:

 

[volroadwarrior]

Butch tells Palardy that he has confidence in him. Dooley would tell him "you better not f=== it up." Palardy said that his practice and training routine has changed from a lot of heavy lifting and numerous reps that caused fatigue and injury to a more balanced routine implemented by Elder and Jones.

Reeves-Maybin and Alden Hill have been lights out in coverage and the whole coverage team seems to be more disciplined to stay in their lanes and do their assignments.

Coaching baby coaching.

 

[calban]

I've said it before. Butch is a master at playing the field position game.
Something that wasn't exercised the last 3 years.