[su_spacer size=”20″] Senior punter Collin Barber has a rough season in 2014. He told me yesterday that he suffered from a bulging disk that (although he emphasized that his health was not an excuse) contributed to his demotion to backup punter. Additionally, Barber talked at some length about the new strength and conditioning program and its contribution to his physical recovery.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Then, off-offhandedly, he referred to the new special teams analyst, Carter Blount, and how he has changed the way kickers go about their business.
[su_spacer size=”40″] UGA, like most Power5 schools, does not have an on-field coach dedicated to special teams. Responsibility for the various special teams functions is divided among the position coaches.
[su_spacer size=”40″] According to Barber, prior to 2015 kickers had set their own practice agenda and went about their business with little guidance or accountability, at least, in terms of a practice routine. Now they are given a detailed daily practice schedule to complete. Although analysts can not coach on the field, they can review film and practices are videoed just like games. Now there is someone directly supervising the practice habits of kickers and planning their activities as part of an overall special teams scheme.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Attention to detail – that is what the additional quality control and analysts bring to the table. They cover the details and free the coaches to…coach.