SPECIAL TEAMS: Billy Napier Should Get A Kick Out Of The ‘Game Changers.” And Maybe A Lot More.
They’ll Be Called “The Game Changers.” Because That’s What Billy Napier Expects Them To Do.
By KYLE CURTIS
GatorBaitMedia.com
Over the last decade, Florida Gator special teams have been a roller coaster. From having All-SEC kickers in Evan McPherson and Eddy Pineiro to starting walk-ons, it has been eventful.
For 2022, the Gators will return senior kicker Chris Howard, who went 7x9 on field goals in 2021 with a long of 42 yards. There were times last year when Dan Mullen decided to test Howard’s limits because he lacked of confidence in the kicking game. There has been a promising buzz around spring practice about Howard’s improvement this year.
Along with Howard, freshman Trey Smack is expected to enroll in the program later this summer. Smack is expected to give Howard competition, although Howard still probably has the edge with his experience.
Long snapping for Howard will either be Marco Ortiz or freshman Rocco Underwood, who has been taking snaps at tight end due to injuries.
The position of punter remains solid. Australian Jeremy Crenshaw was one of the few bright spots in 2021, ranking as one of the top punters in the league. He will once again have punting responsibilities this upcoming season.
In the case of kicking and punt returns it will be by committee. For punt returning responsibilities Xzavier Henderson and Fenley Graham will take the reins.
Graham appeared in just six games last year without much of an impact. He only fielded punts in just one game last year. Expect Graham to get some opportunities as the season progresses.
Henderson fielded punts last year and will probably start the season doing the same. Henderson had 23 punt returns in his redshirt freshman campaign for 162 yards with a long of 33 yards.
The kick returners will consist of the speedy backs and Graham. Both Lorenzo Lingard and Demarkcus Bowman will take kickoffs and Graham will be sprinkled in. There is also a chance that other wide receivers or backs will take kickoffs. Both Lingard and Bowman have big-play potential and breakaway speed.
Napier has made it a point to say games could be won in all three phases, even to the point of giving special teams the name “Game Changers.” That should tell you how special he feels the special teams are and going to be.
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