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Fan the Flames 2012 Spring Outlook Part 9: Special Teams

Posted: July 6th, 2012, 11:11 am
by BJWilliams
For the final port of our spring outlook, we take a look at probably the most underrated unit on the team which at the same time spoiled us over the last four years

Players Lost:

Matt Bevins 2-time Big South All-Conference First Team (2009, 2010)
Mike Larsson 3-time Big South All-Conference (Second Team 2009 First Team 2010, 2011)
Ervin Garner
BJ Hayes

Players Returning

Alex Kacere
Ryan Ayers
Ryan Ferguson
Kevin Fogg
Aldreakis Allen
Korrey Davis

For the first time in four years, someone other than Matt Bevins or Mike Larsson will open fall training camp as the number one kicker and punter, respectively. Bevins did struggle with injuries the last year which left him limited, especially on field goals. Larsson, who came in as a walk-on in 2008, established himself as one of the top punters in the league for a team that really didnt punt all that much, finishing with the top average per punt the last two seasons. Kacere, who was best known for this video before arriving at Liberty:

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showed some good signs filling in for Bevins when he was injured, but didnt exactly play himself into the number one kicking job after spring practice. John Lunsford, a signee out of FL, will get a chance to win the job when he arrives this summer. Grant Bowden, a transfer from Virginia Tech, will likely take over the punting duties primarily.

As far as the returners, Kevin Fogg electrified the country, finishing as the only returner with three touchdowns on kickoffs. Look for teams to try to keep the ball away from him much of the time. Ryan Ayers (FF4E's man crush) will probably get first licks at punt returns after Ervin Garner graduated.

Re: Fan the Flames 2012 Spring Outlook Part 9: Special Teams

Posted: July 16th, 2012, 8:31 pm
by BJWilliams
Surprised this hasnt gotten more play but I guess that shows that we have been pretty spoiled the last few years in the kicking department

Re: Fan the Flames 2012 Spring Outlook Part 9: Special Teams

Posted: July 16th, 2012, 9:26 pm
by kick49
Larsson and I enjoyed the time we had at Liberty. Glad we could set the pace for future kickers and punters in the near future. I dont think Kacere is coming back because of a personal reason. McConnell is gone. So as of now we have Grant punting and Lunsford kicking. Need Lunsford to provide immediately! He is athletic and a great kicker, just need him to transfer it to the next level of football.

Re: Fan the Flames 2012 Spring Outlook Part 9: Special Teams

Posted: July 16th, 2012, 9:38 pm
by BJWilliams
Thanks for the update 49...sad to see Kacere not coming back. He certainly showed flashes of potential last year. I look forward to seeing how Lunsford does stepping up to the college game