Scouting Syracuse: Special Teams

Jeremiah Kobena is a top return man for the Orange.

Special teams is always important, especially when the margin of error is so thin for the Bulls. Add in the factors of playing inside the Carrier Dome, special teams will be an area of great concern if USF wants to get a road victory and get closer to a bowl game. Here are the players on special teams for the Orange that the Bulls will have to contend with during the game.

Kicking

Sophomore Ross Krautman (5-7 154-pounds) is listed as the starting place kicker for the Orange. He is 10 of 14 on field goals this season, hitting a long of just 34 yards. He is also the kick-off specialist, kicking off 44 times, averaging 62.7 yards per kick. Junior Ryan Lichtenstein (5-10 155-pounds).

Freshman Shane Raupers (5-10 175-pounds) is the starting punter. He has punted the ball 21 times averaging 37.4 yards per kick (long of 52 yards. Fellow freshman Jonathan Fisher (6-1 209-pounds) is also punting this season as well. He has punted 28 times, averaging 39.1 yards per kick, hitting a long of 57 yards, so look for both to get a chance to kick and keep the ball away from Marc or whoever returns punts in this game.

Return game

At kick return, freshman Jeremiah Kobena (6-0 180-pounds) is the top returner. He has returned 36 kicks for 836 yards (averaging 23.2 yards per return). Senior Dorian Graham (5-10 185-pounds) is the other return man. He has returned 7 for 204 yards and one touchdown, need to watch for him and the battle for field position. Watch for sophomore Prince-Tyson Gulley (5-9 198-pounds) who has one kick return for 16 yards, but has explosive speed.

At punt return, sophomore receiver Steve Rene (5-7 167-pounds) is the top returner. He has 8 returns for 23 yards. They do not have a lot of big time returns, but will always be an area of concern.

Overall, the Orange have a solid special teams unit. They cover kicks and punts well, making life hard for returners like Lamar and Mitchell (if healthy to return kicks). They also have shifty returners that can change the battle for field position easily. Playing on the field turf of the Carrier Dome, they are able to make their cuts faster and get up field. Kick coverage will be a key factor in the battle of special teams for the Bulls.

We apologize, we forgot to publish this earlier!