There’s no getting around the fact that special teams performers – kickers, punters and long snappers - have never been taken serious by team members. But that is changing – quickly.
As the University of Miami and other programs have found out, if you don’t have a dependable kicker, punter or long snapper, you could lose games.
The greatest thing about covering football in south Florida is that the marquee players will get their respect from camps, combines, games and word of mouth – while others will rely on people actually seeing them live.
It has happened for decades that so many prospects are overlooked, and the ones who are discovered are actually done by people watching them during games and seeing the difference that they make.
While it has been tough for many athletes in south Florida during this pandemic, grabbing the attention of college coaches has been a major chore.
As the spring and summer are usually the time when athletes impress college coaches with their skills, this year has been one crazy mess – and those trips to college campuses and the many team 7-on-7 events have not been a part of this major quarantine.
The one great thing about south Florida is when you get on the radar screen, you can ride that momentum a long way. But you also have to go out and prove it every week.
Because there are so many analysts and fan websites who rush to get a scoop on everyone, they need to take their time and watch these young men perform – more than once.
They say, it doesn’t matter where you play – if you can play – the colleges will find you.
For all the athletes running from their current teams – chasing something that may appear better as a perceived advancement – is often not. GOSPEL!!!!