Good returns

By Jordan Moore on October 28, 2009 10:28 AM | No Comments

RipsIt reader Tom Butler sent in this interesting question: "Why are there different players for punt returns and for kickoff returns? It seems that if they are good, couldn't the same players do both?"

Long-time special teams coordinator Brian Schneider said that many times in his career he has used the same player for both return duties, but it all depends on the players available. For USC, Damian Williams is a prototypical punt returner, while C.J. Gable and Ronald Johnson are ideal for the kickoff return duties.

But it is possible for one guy to do both jobs, even though Schneider said the tasks are "a little bit different."

"On kickoff return, you've got to hit it with no hesitation," Schneider said. "The best kickoff return guys are always the ones that just go."

While kickoff returners have 10 to 15 yards of open running room to find a hole, punt returners have to react with bodies flying around and a small amount of room to wiggle and juke free.

"With very little space to move, punt returns require a different element for the returner," Schneider said.

Other than the returners, only a small handful of players are not the same on the two return units. Schneider said usually the same six or so players will play on both squads.

University Southern California Trojans

Good returns

Good returns

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