TOP 20 SPECIALISTS
Kickers can make decisive kicks throughout the game, but most of the important kicks come towards the end. If a team relies on field goals to score points, they usually will lose the game. Not in Auburn's case. Daniel Carlson made six field goals against LSU (including one from 51 yards), and that was enough (barely) for his Tigers to win 18-13. Had a last second touchdown pass not been called off, Carlson's work would have been for naught. Auburn is hoping that 2017 brings more touchdowns, meaning more extra point attempts for Carlson. Should they need an extra three points here or there, they know where to find them.
PREVIOUSLY: QUARTERBACK, RUNNING BACK, WIDE RECEIVER/TIGHT END, OFFENSIVE LINE, DEFENSIVE LINE, LINEBACKERS, DEFENSIVE BACKS
TOP 6 KICKERS
1. Daniel Carlson Auburn Sr
2016 Stats: 28-32 FG; 44-44 XP
Tigers hope that he is kicking less field goals and more extra points this year. Currently 9-for-13 in his career from 50+.
2. Emmit Carpenter, Minnesota, Jr
2016 Stats: 22-24 FG; 43-44 XP
Hasn't received enough attention, but is a weapon for the Gophers and is cool in the clutch.
3. Louie Zervos Ohio So
2016 Stats: 29-35 FG; 35-38 XP
Started the year 13-for-14 and never got rattled even as a freshman.
4. Matt Anderson, California, Jr
2016 Stats: 22-26 FG; 51-51 XP
Extremely reliable. Has missed just two extra points in 102 tries.
5. Jonathan Barnes, Louisiana Tech, Sr
2016 Stats: 22-27 FG; 77-78 XP
Went 9-for-11 on field goals 40+, and gets plenty of extra point opportunities thanks to the Bulldogs' offense.
6. Gary Wunderlich Ole Miss Sr
2016 Stats: 22-23 FG; 41-43 XP
Became more consistent kicking field goals in 2016, and should be relied upon more with questions on offense.
TOP 6 PUNTERS
1. Mitch Wishnowsky, Utah, Jr
2016 Stats: 64 punts, 3,053 yards, 47.7 average
Just the latest Aussie to be a threat for the Utes.
2. JK Scott, Alabama, Sr
2016 Stats: 64 punt, 3,020 yards, 47.2 average
Hasn't he graduated yet? Scott has a big leg and has been consistent in his time in Tuscaloosa.
3. Johnny Townsend, Florida, Sr
2016 Stats: 64 punts, 3,065 yards, 47.9 average
Top returning punter in the nation when it comes to average.
4. Michael Dickson, Texas, Jr
2016 Stats: 65 punts, 3,079 yards, 47.4 average
Big leg that the Longhorns hope they won't have to use nearly as much this season.
5. Joseph Davidson, Bowling Green, Sr
2016 stats: 61 punts, 2,791 yards, 45.8 average
Had the longest punt in college football last season at 82 yards.
6. Spencer Smith, Memphis, Sr
2016 Stats: 45 punts, 2,028 yards, 45.1 average
Tigers didn't punt much, but Smith was a reliable weapon when needed.
TOP 8 RETURNERS
1. Quadree Henderson Pittsburgh Jr
2016 Stats: Punt Return- 16 ret. 252 yards, 1 TD; Kick Return- 31 ret. 914 yards, 3 TD
As dynamic as they come. Henderson returns the most rushing yards offensively....as a receiver.
2. KaVontae Turpin, TCU, Jr
2016 Stats: Punt Return- 10 ret. 125 yards, 1 TD; Kick Return- 17 ret. 482 yards
Don't let is size (5-9, 155 lbs) fool you, because you'll be reading his last name when he blows by you.
3. Charles Nelson, Oregon, Sr
2016 Stats: Punt Return-7 ret. 107 yards; Kick return- 36 ret. 879 yards, 1 TD
Another small guy (5-8, 170 lbs), who will torch your special teams. Ducks should expect big things from their burner.
4. Tony Pollard, Memphis, So
2016 Stats: Kick Return- 40 ret. 1,068 yards, 2 TD
Will see more time at receiver, and teams will have to be aware of his speed in two areas of the game now.
5. CJ Sanders, Notre Dame, Jr
2016 Stats: Punt Return- 10 ret. 125 yards; Kick Return- 29 ret. 725 yards, 2 TD
What is it about being short and excelling at returning kicks? Including Sanders, five players are 5'9" or shorter. Sanders better hope he isn't the only player scoring for the Irish this year.
6. Evan Berry, Tennessee, Sr
2016 Stats: Kick Return- 14 ret. 413 yards
Brother, Eric, is a former volunteer and current star for the Kansas City Chiefs. Evan will look to play more defense on top of returning.
7. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M, Jr
2016 Stats: Punt Return- 14 ret. 282 yards; Kick Return- 6 ret. 173 yards
Has become a better receiver, and returns may decrease. Still a home run threat regardless.
8. Sean Riley, Syracuse, So
2016 Stats: 53 ret. 1,053 yards
Syracuse could surprise people this year and, if they do, Riley could become a major threat.
