Blue & Gold Illustrated: 2012 Notre Dame Football Preview
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112 ✦ BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2015 FOOTBALL PREVIEW SPECIAL TEAMS to do as a freshman (handling only kickoffs) — not to mention future school career‑scoring leader Craig Hentrich in 1989, when he was 8 of 15 on field goals for the Irish. Other Notre Dame freshmen starters at kicker such as Kevin Kopka (1995), Jim Sanson (1996) and Brandon Walker (2007) experienced some rough spots as immediate starters. "When you have new guys coming in there are always some things you've got to work out," Booker said. "That's why we have 30 some practices in August. But we've evaluated Justin, we've seen him kick numerous times in person and feel very comfortable about his mechanics and where he's at. Obviously, as an incoming freshman, there's always going to be some unknowns." Holding the ball for Newsome during the spring was reserve quarterback DeShone Kizer, while current starting QB Malik Zaire, whose chemistry with Brindza last November never quite meshed, did the same for Chereson. The Notre Dame return game on punts and kickoffs has been pretty much a non‑factor the past three years. It boasts experience with Amir Carlisle on kicks and Greg Bryant on punts, but the overall scheme — specifically blocking — has been an issue, even to the point where Kelly said the staff has gone "hat in hand" to clinics to help upgrade those units. There should be no shortage of bodies to improve coverage and blocking. Conversation is never short on possible upgrades each year, but it has to be better demonstrated consistently on the field. The Irish finished 53rd nationally in punt returns (8.48 yards per return) last year and 74th in kickoff returns (20.47 yards a run‑ back), both improvements from past years but not game‑changing averages. Most likely to challenge Bryant on punt returns is junior wideout Will Fuller or incoming freshman CJ Sanders. On kickoffs, among the candidates to replace 2014 secondary return man Cam Mc‑ Daniel include two more running backs in C.J. Prosise or Tarean Folston. Freshman speedsters Shaun Crawford or Sanders could factor in as well. In 2009, Notre Dame for the first time awarded a full scholarship exclusively to an incoming freshman long‑snapper in Jordan Cowart. It did the same three years later with Scott Daly, and did so again for the 2016 cycle with John Shannon. Daly has been the starter the past two seasons. He did not miss a snap last season on 52 point after touchdown attempts, 24 field goal tries and 51 punts. Notre Dame's special teams strength last year was blocking six kicks. The punt return defense was solid while finishing 33rd in the country, but the kick return defense took a hit when LSU's Leonard Fournette had a 100‑yard touchdown return, which led to a No. 111 finish (23.42 yards allowed per return). Three or four games every year come down to special teams/kick‑ ing game, and it will often spell the difference between a major bowl/ College Football Playoff team or another 8‑4 or 7‑5 result. ✦ "When you have new guys coming in there are always some things you've got to work out. That's why we have 30 some practices in August. But we've evaluated Justin, we've seen him kick numerous times in person and feel very comfortable about his mechanics and where he's at as an incoming freshman." SPECIAL TEAMS COACH SCOTT BOOKER ON FRESHMAN KICKER JUSTIN YOON PRESEASON ANALYSIS ★★★★ National Title Caliber; ★★★ Playoff Contention; ★★ Top 25 Potential; ★ Too Unproven Starters ★★ Senior long snapper Scott Daly begins his third season as the starter, while fifth-year senior slot receiver Amir Carlisle and junior running back Greg Bryant are back as the top kick and punt returners from last season, with Carlisle's 35 returns averaging 21.7 yards (long of 47) and Bryant's eight returns on punts averaging 11.8 yards (long of 61). However, there will be first-time starters at kicker with freshman Justin Yoon, punter with sophomore Tyler Newsome and holder with sophomore quarterback DeShone Kizer. Notre Dame followers came to appreciate last year how valuable chemistry is between the holder and kicker. After three bobbled snaps, the Irish made a switch to backup quarterback Malik Zaire, but struggles ensued for kicker Kyle Brindza there- after, including crucial 11th-hour (and beyond) misses in November home losses to Northwestern (43-40 in overtime) and Louisville (31-28). Experience ★★ While it helps that Daly, Carlisle and Bryant all have been battle tested in their re- spective roles, a first-time kicker in Yoon and the same with punter Newsome leaves some question marks. Newsome enrolled as more of a kicker, but the staff believed his better long-range potential would be at punter, where he concentrated most of his energies while redshirting as a 2014 freshman. This spring he demonstrated excellent leg power and hang time on occasion, but also showed inconsistency with numerous shanks or other snafus. His role will be vital to having favorable field position. Kizer also will be holding on kicks for the first time, so developing chemistry in the summer months with Yoon will be essential. Depth ★ Junior kicker John Chereson arrived as a preferred walk-on in 2013, but did not re- ally challenge Newsome as the possible No. 2 kicker during the spring. Freshman Jeff Riney from Texas will enroll as a preferred walk-on punter this summer to challenge Newsome for action. Hunter Smith, who served as the holder the first two months last season, also can handle long-snapping duties if needed. Overall Grade ★½ This could develop into a team strength, but for now the kickers and punters have yet to be on a college field, although Yoon arrives with accolades similar to Brindza in 2011. Brindza served as only the kickoff man that year and became leg weary from "over-practicing." The return game boasts experience but has had little impact the past several years. A pivotal X-factor is Notre Dame should be deeper than normal on coverage and return units, which could enhance the overall unit. If this develops into three stars during the year, that could help Notre Dame rank among the nation's top 10 teams. Incoming freshman Justin Yoon set records for most field goals made (three) and longest field goal (47 yards) at the Under Armour All-American Game Jan. 2. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM