Michigan Coaches Clinic: Breaking down the Special Teams

One of the biggest changes is amount of time spent on Special Teams. They are no longer an after thought. Players will be held accountable for special teams performance same as any other position along with putting the best players on the field.

Punt team uses the spread formation (seems common now) with three people back in the middle. One thing I noticed is they are actually trying to kick to the corners of the field especially when they can try to get it inside the ten-yard line. Along with doing the rugby type, kick as well.

Punting with having Mesko inside it sure does not help your coverage team to practice since Mesko hits the ceiling every damn time so had problems working on punting and punt return coverage. What a leg Mesko has and you could hear the difference between Mesko punts and the others. Ball made a big thumping sound coming off Mesko foot. Once outside the ball was flying off Mesko foot. Probably needs to learn how to kick the rugby style a little better along with trying to hit the corners, but basically this is his first year of trying these things and I am sure once he is able to get outside will get a lot better and make the punting game a weapon.

Punt return team had Mathews back on Saturday. During the drills on Thursday, they had Warren and Brown there as well. Mathews has good hands and fearless, but just not very fast or elusive. Kick off return team had Brown, Stonum and Minor.

This could be a perfect spot for the five dynamic freshmen to step in especially if they are going to play anyway on offense. Could see the young guys coming in at both positions with T-Rob, Odoms, Shaw, McGuff and Stonum on the punt return team and also the kick off return.


Loner Snapper was walk-on player and was very good except for one poor snap. Of course, he got a big dose of rage from Coach Rod style!Kickers Lapata was very good along with being consistent and accurate. He made every Field Goal attempt on Saturday and most on Friday and the ball is gone very quickly. Wright has a huge leg, but just not as accurate as Lapata at this time. Also does not get ball off as quickly.

written by CoachBt, MaizeMan and ErocWolverine

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