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I was cutting a big tree root out of my yard today, when I couldn’t help but think how good of an analogy it made to the college football offseason. It’s such a long and arduous time when all we have to feed on are the articles that come out once every two weeks or so and dream about it being over.
So what does that have to do with a tree root?
Well, when you get through each week of the offseason, it’s like breaking off one of the smaller roots coming off the trunk. Eventually, you get to the point where you can bring the Bobcat in and give the trunk one final push and get it out and over with.
We are now at the final push moment because in FIVE days, the NM State Aggies will be taking the field!
We’re also in our final position preview. So, without further ado, we’ll give this one final push and get one step closer to Zero Week action!
Graduates
The only graduate from this unit was Larry Rose who returned 10 punts for 71 yards. So, like most units on this team, this group has experience!
Returnees/New Guys
Everyone returns!
Kicker Dylan Brown is back after finishing his first year in the FBS. He finished 13-17 with a long of 39 and was also 39-42 on extra points.
Along side Dylan is punter Payton Theisler, who enters his junior year. Last season Theisler punted 80 times(!) finishing with an average of 41.5 (37.5 net). He had 15 punts of 50 yards or more.
Snapping to these two is Aussie Tim O’Donnell who enters his senior year.
Also on the team is kicker Parker Davidson who handled kickoffs last season. He had 18 touchbacks on 37 kickoffs.
Jason Huntley is the returning kick return man. He had 18 returns (29.6 average) and two touchdowns.
New Coach
The most exciting thing, in my opinion, is new Special Teams Coach Ronnie Pentz. Pentz was hired this summer to coach special teams and tight ends. If you don’t know who he is, read this, he should have this unit much improved. I’m definitely excited to see it.
Upgrade/Downgrade
Having everyone back is a good reason to say upgrade. Having a special teams coach like Pentz go along with it, gives me even more reason.
This unit will be the most improved on the team.