We kick off Football Preview Week on GoDutchmen.com by taking a look at the special teams. With a number of new faces jumping into starting roles, special teams could make or break the season for the Dutchmen as they go after an MAC championship.
The Goals
Opponents' Starting Field Position - Last year, LVC's opponents averaged 21.5 yards per kick return, and ended up with great field position more often than not. The kick-off coverage unit ranked dead last in the MAC as a result.
Consistent Red Zone Kicking - After several seasons of not being able to rely on placekicking,
Brittany Ryan stepped in and was 3-for-3 at the end of last season. A consistent kicking option in the red zone will help solve LVC's red zone woes from 2008.
Special Teams By the Numbers
3 - Starters Returning
5.5 - Yards per punt return by LVC opponents in 2008
38 - Average starting field position for LVC opponents after kick-offs in 2008
43 - Punts by LVC in 2008, second-fewest in the MAC
Positional Breakdown
KICKER
2008 Starters:
Brittany Ryan (FG/XP) /
Dan DiBona and Chris Hall (KO)
2009 Preseason:
Brittany Ryan (FG/XP) /
Dan DiBona,
Matt Nawracaj, or Nathan Fehr (KO)
The placekicking duties will fall to incumbent
Brittany Ryan, who was virtually automatic last year (3-3 on field goals, 27-30 on PATs), but could only reach field goals inside 30 yards. The biggest question mark on special teams is who will handle kick-offs - with 2008 starter Chris Hall electing to play soccer full-time, it will be between
Dan DiBona,
Matt Nawracaj, and freshman Nathan Fehr. Last year, LVC netted only 31.3 yards per kickoff - giving opponents an average starting field position on the 38. Deeper kicks and better coverage will be key to set up LVC's defense.
Coach Monos:
"We need to get the ball deeper - we're shooting to get the ball to the 10 yard-line. We've expressed that to all three of our [kick-off] guys that there will be that battle in camp."
PUNTER
2008 Starter:
Colt Zarilla
2009 Preseason:
Colt Zarilla
Punting duties will be well taken care of with
Colt Zarilla returning. As a freshman, Zarilla took every punt and excelled, averaging 34 yards per kick and putting 12 inside the 20. And, as a quarterback, Zarilla always poses a threat in a punt fake situation. Other options include junior
Mike Manubay and sophomore transfer
Clay Chaney from West Chester, both linebackers who can also punt.
KICK RETURNS
2008 Starters: Andrew Shambach and
Nic Shirey (PR) /
Ben Guiles and Jay Hartman (KR)
2009 Preseason:
Sean Donovan and
Nic Shirey
Despite the graduation of returner Andrew Shambach, LVC seems set with the return of
Sean Donovan, who handled returns in 2007 and averaged 27.6 ypr on kick-offs and 8.9 ypr on punts.
Nic Shirey, who also had some punt return experience last year, and
Ben Guiles, who handled the majority of kick returns last year, are also back.
Coach Monos:
"Donovan is coming back, so he'll be somebody we take a good hard look at. He's got the burst, and if he's healthy, I think he'll be a real plus for us. Shirey, even though he's moved to another position, will be one of our return guys."
HOLDER
2008 Starter: Bill Dixon
2009 Preseason:
Caleb Fick or
Nic Shirey
With the graduation of holder Bill Dixon, LVC will likely turn to quarterback
Caleb Fick or safety
Nic Shirey (a converted quarterback) to hold.
Coach Monos:
"In the spring, both of those guys worked with Brittany... [having a quarterback holding] gives us the opportunity to do some things."
LONG-SNAPPING
2008 Starter: J.T. Szigethy
2009 Preseason:
Tom Rasich or
Zach Bleiler
Another position with a new face is long-snapper, with the reliable J.T. Szigethy lost to graduation. Two names likely to step in here are sophomore linebacker
Tom Rasich and junior defensive end
Zach Bleiler, both big and athletic men.
COVERAGE
Coach Monos:
"We're comitted to putting our best people on the field. Just like in the past, Brian Cottone was a hot man on a punt - our best players are going to be on the field again. We feel that's an area we've got to improve in if we want to win a championship."
