Pre-season Position Breakdown: Special Teams

The 2013 BCS National Champions will be getting their 2014 campaign underway in Dallas on August 30th. After winning its first national championship in 14 years last season, Florida State looks to have a very good shot at defending its title. Though quarterback Jameis Winston will garner most of the attention, FSU looks to be solid from top to bottom as Noled Out continues its position previews.

An often overlooked phase of the game, special teams was critical to Florida State’s victory over Auburn in the BCS National Championship in January. While the offense scored more points than any other FBS team ever last season and the defense yielded the fewest points-per-game in the country, the FSU special teams had a very solid year as well. Here are the names you need to know for the Seminoles’ special teams in 2014:

The Headliner
Roberto Aguayo, Sophomore (Kicker)
The reigning Lou Groza Award winner, Roberto Aguayo returns after a stellar freshman campaign. Aguayo converted on all, but one of his 22 field goals attempts which included a 53-yarder against Syracuse. Aguayo was also a perfect 94-for-94 on extra points and possesses one of the nation’s best legs. Aguayo had very few pressure packed kicks last season, but came through with a 41-yard field goal in the third quarter against Auburn to draw FSU to within one score.

The Sleeper
Karlos Williams, Senior (Kick Returner)
While big things are expected out of Karlos Williams at the running back position, what he’s done in his career on special teams often gets overlooked. Williams has not only proven to be a solid kick returner in the past with his blazing speed, but his first down run on a fake punt in the BCS National Championship was the catalyst for a 21-point turnaround as Florida State slipped past Auburn. Later in the game, Williams threw key blocks on a kickoff return for a score. Though Williams should be a big part of the Seminole offense in 2014, he could also be a key contributor on special teams.

The Future
Levonte “Kermit” Whitfield, Sophomore (Kick Returner)
As one of the faster players in the nation, Kermit Whitfield has blossomed into a real weapon for the Florida State special teams. Whitfield took a pair of kickoffs back for scores in 2013 including a 100-yard return in the fourth quarter of the BCS National Championship to give the Seminoles their first lead since the opening quarter. Just a sophomore at 5’7″ and 180 pounds, Whitfield looks to continue to give opposing kicking units fits in the years to come.

Other Names to Know
Cason Beatty, Junior (Punter)
Though seldom used, Cason Beatty has struggled with his consistency as the Florida State punter. After averaging just over 38 yards-per-punt as a freshman and having two kicks blocked, Beatty showed improvement during his sophomore year. Beatty averaged over 41 yards a kick last season with a long of 59 and will need to up that average again in 2014.

Overview
Florida State certainly looks to be stacked on offense and defense, but the special teams unit for Florida State has made a number of plays for the Seminoles over the last few years. The kick return combination of Karlos Williams and Kermit Whitfield could be among the best in the country while receivers Jesus Wilson and Rashad Greene could also be contributors in the return game. With a Groza Award already to his name, Roberto Aguayo looks to again be one of the nation’s elite kickers. Cason Beatty and the punting game has been a sore spot for FSU, but if the Seminoles can score the way they did last season, that may not be a huge issue.

Pre-season Position Breakdown: Quarterback
Pre-season Position Breakdown: Running Back
Pre-season Position Breakdown: Wide Receiver
Pre-season Position Breakdown: Offensive Line
Pre-season Position Breakdown: Defensive Line
Pre-season Position Breakdown: Linebacker
Pre-season Position Breakdown: Secondary