Mean Green Preview, Part 5

mad dog · July 19, 2006

Mean Green Preview, Part 5

Special Teams

Summary

Special teams play, up until about a month ago, was a pretty big area of concern for the Mean Green. That’s not to say they didn’t have the electrifying return game of Johnny Quinn, the brutal special teams tackling of Phillip Graves, or the solid 38 yards a punt from Truman Spencer as a redshirt freshman. But, quite simply, they lacked a proven kicker.

Incumbent kickoff specialist Denis Hopovac was tabbed as the heir apparent to the all-time leading scorer in North Texas history, Nick Bazaldua. While Hopovac was a decent kickoff guy, averaging 35% touchbacks (though with several costly kicks out of bounds), his field goal game is erratic outside of 30-35 yards, and especially so on the hashes.

If a team can’t rely on its kicker to put the ball through the uprights, either on field goals or extra points, that changes the whole mentality of the offense, and not in a particularly good way. Fortunately, the Mean Green coaching staff was able to pull in what might end up being the best signing in this year’s class when all is said and done.

Freshman kicker Steven Woodward not only fills an immediate area of need at kicker with a strong and accurate leg, but will also try to push Hopovac out on kickoffs, as well. Anyone who remembers Colorado’s Mason Crosby a few years ago realizes what a weapon it is to have a guy who can put it into the third row of endzone seats with consistency. Not allowing the opponent a chance to play a kickoff can prevent a dangerous swing in momentum or field position that is so often provided by big returns. If Woodward is half as good as advertised, Mean Green fans have a lot to look forward to the next four years.

Players to Watch

Phillip Graves

Has been a special teams dynamo his entire career. Will he set the tone on special teams with his quickness and big hit potential?

Steven Woodward

Does he solidify a key position of need for the team and be as good as advertised?

Johnny Quinn

How many places will the coaching staff find a way to use the fastest and most athletic player on the team?

*Projected Starters

K – Steven Woodward

P – Truman Spencer

PR – Johnny Quinn

KR – Johnny Quinn

KR – Zach Muzzy

Impact Newcomers

Steven Woodward

If he is even half as good as advertised, he represents a zero-dropoff potential from Lou Groza nominee Nick Bazaldua.

Sleeper

Korey Washington

Pure speed and quickness might find Special K on kickoff coverage, or possibly as a gunner opposite Phillip Graves. As with Johnny Quinn, he is far too athletic not to find his way on the field as often as possible.

*Projected starters are who we think should start based on what a player has shown to us in practice and in games. We are not trying to guess the coaches’ picks, but rather who we’d pick if we were making out the depth chart.

bigrobdsp · July 19, 2006

I am really enjoying this preview series. it has me very hopeful for this new season

July 19, 2006

Excellent. I, too, am enjoying this series.

My only hope for a change in your projected lineup would be for a kickoff returner. I like Zach but I just don't think that he has fully recovered from his awful injury suffered on a kickoff return a couple of years. So, if one of our 4.4 guys is sure-handed enough, I would like to see one tried at Kickoff Returner. Special K and Evan Robertson come to mind.

I especially like your idea of Washington being on the coverage team. Graves either makes the tackle or destroys the blocking pattern. KW would be a great complement.