As we inch closer to the season opener, I've been breaking down each position group for the Tigers. Last but not least is special teams.
This was the biggest question mark of the offseason. The Tigers will have to replace an all-timer in BT Potter at kicker, and the punter job was up for grabs as well. Aidan Swanson, the starting punter last season, edged out talented redshirt freshman Jack Smith in August camp. The new starting kicker, as expected, will be redshirt freshman Robert Gunn. He was ranked as the No.3 kicker coming out of high school a couple years ago and has a big leg. He did not attempt any field goals last season but made his only PAT attempt and forced touchbacks on all 5 of his kickoffs. The Tigers have been fortunate enough to have some all-time greats under Dabo, including Catanzaro, Huegel and Potter. Let's hope Gunn is the next in line!
Returning punts again will be sophomore WR Antonio Williams, and RB Will Shipley will handle the kickoff returns again. True freshman WR Tyler Brown, who really impressed Dabo during camp, will also return kickoffs with Shipley, and he'll see some punt return action behind Williams.
Be sure to check back on Monday before the game for my preview and prediction!
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