Scouting Cincinnati: Special Teams

D.J. Woods is an explosive player to watch in the return game (Picture/ USA Today)

Time to take a look at the Cincinnati Bearcats special teams unit. Special teams was not that great for USF last weekend. Bonani went 1 for 3 in tough conditions (although he pulled the third kick too far to the left). The return team did well stopping UCONN kick returns. The USF kick return game got a spark from Marcus Shaw, but the punt return team looked bad with Landi not getting much (should have T-Rex back). Let's see what the Bearcats bring to the table.

Freshman Tony Miliano (6-2 198-pounds) is the place kicker for the Bearcats. He is 7 of 9 on field goals this season, hitting a long of 48 yards. He is also the kick-off specialist for the team. He has kicked off 18 times for 64.3 yards a kick and has 2 touchbacks. Senior Shane Popham (5-11 182-pounds) is the back-up.

Junior Patrick O'Donnell (6-5 217-pounds) is the starting punter. He has punted 22 times this season, averaging 44.1 yards per kick (hit a long of 76 yards a swell). He has landed 11 inside the opponents 20 yard line so the battle for field position is going to be rough. He has kicked off 26 times as well (splitting duties with Miliano). He averages 64 yards a kick and has landed 4 for touchbacks. Shane Popham is also the reserve punter.

Freshman running back Ralph Abernathy IV (5-6 160-pounds) is the leading return man. He has returned 10 kicks for 253 yards this season. USF will have to keep an eye on him in the return game because of his explosive speed. Senior wide receiver D.J. Woods (6-0 180-pounds) is the other return man on kick-offs.

D.J. Woods it the primary punt return man as well. He has returned 11 punts for just 71 yards, but with his speed, he is a dangerous man to watch. Senior running back Isaiah Pead (5-11 200-pounds) is the other punt returner.

Overall, the Bearcats have a very good special teams unit, especially in the return game. Butch Jones puts his best players at these key positions, allowing them to use their speed to create big plays and help win the battle of field position. The USF coverage teams will have to be at their best for this game.