hungan1
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Jerry Kill emphasizes a strong special teams. They don't always get top billing, but it can become a difference maker in this coming season that cannot be overlooked.
Who will long snap is going to be critical IMHO.
Fall Preview: Specialists
Will Henry - 247 Sports
SPECIAL TEAMS
Starters: Ryan Santoso (Kicker), Peter Mortell (Punter)
Backups: Emmit Carpenter (K), Logan McElfresh (P)
Newcomer To Watch: Emmit Carpenter, there is a good chance Carpenter will handle kickoff duties this year. The Green Bay native possesses a powerful leg that can pin opponents deep.
Key Number: 45.1, Peter Mortell lead the B1G in punting average and played a huge part in field position a year ago.
2014 Stats: Ryan Santoso (12-18, long of 52, 70 KO, 38 TB), Peter Mortell (67 attempts, 45.1 AVG, long of 64, 25 I20)
Reason For Optimism: Minnesota returns one of the better Special Teams unit in the B1G. Ryan Santoso has a big-time leg and he proved he can make the clutch kicks during the Purdue match up. In Mortell, the Gophers have last years B1G punter of the year. He currently ranks first in team history for career average, Mortell could be an NFL prospect with another strong year.
Reason For Concern: There is some concern with consistency from Santoso. He has a booming leg, but his accuracy has been a bit sporadic. He tied for 10th in B1G a year ago with 66.7 field goal percentage. Look for him to try and improve that number this season.
Big Question: Who replaces Dave Ramlet.
What To Expect: Expect Minnesota's specialist to produce another strong season. Nobody is entirely sure how productive Minnesota's offense will be this season, so we could see more attempts from Santoso. Look for him to build on that 66.7 number and hopefully become a more consistent kicker. Mortell will try to make it two consecutive B1G Punter of the year and 1st team All-B1G awards this season. He will continue to be a difference maker when the offense stalls, by flipping the field and holding opponents inside the 20. Minnesota takes Special Teams more importantly than most teams, so they will have guys prepared. That said, don't be surprised if there are a few hiccups early on as the Gophers search for a new long-snapper and holder.
Who will long snap is going to be critical IMHO.
Fall Preview: Specialists
Will Henry - 247 Sports
SPECIAL TEAMS
Starters: Ryan Santoso (Kicker), Peter Mortell (Punter)
Backups: Emmit Carpenter (K), Logan McElfresh (P)
Newcomer To Watch: Emmit Carpenter, there is a good chance Carpenter will handle kickoff duties this year. The Green Bay native possesses a powerful leg that can pin opponents deep.
Key Number: 45.1, Peter Mortell lead the B1G in punting average and played a huge part in field position a year ago.
2014 Stats: Ryan Santoso (12-18, long of 52, 70 KO, 38 TB), Peter Mortell (67 attempts, 45.1 AVG, long of 64, 25 I20)
Reason For Optimism: Minnesota returns one of the better Special Teams unit in the B1G. Ryan Santoso has a big-time leg and he proved he can make the clutch kicks during the Purdue match up. In Mortell, the Gophers have last years B1G punter of the year. He currently ranks first in team history for career average, Mortell could be an NFL prospect with another strong year.
Reason For Concern: There is some concern with consistency from Santoso. He has a booming leg, but his accuracy has been a bit sporadic. He tied for 10th in B1G a year ago with 66.7 field goal percentage. Look for him to try and improve that number this season.
Big Question: Who replaces Dave Ramlet.
What To Expect: Expect Minnesota's specialist to produce another strong season. Nobody is entirely sure how productive Minnesota's offense will be this season, so we could see more attempts from Santoso. Look for him to build on that 66.7 number and hopefully become a more consistent kicker. Mortell will try to make it two consecutive B1G Punter of the year and 1st team All-B1G awards this season. He will continue to be a difference maker when the offense stalls, by flipping the field and holding opponents inside the 20. Minnesota takes Special Teams more importantly than most teams, so they will have guys prepared. That said, don't be surprised if there are a few hiccups early on as the Gophers search for a new long-snapper and holder.
