The start of the 2015 season for Florida State is now only two weeks away as we wrap up our position breakdown series. The final area to look at is the special teams which has a chance to be special this season for FSU.
Most know about the accolades of the Seminoles’ kicker, but special teams as a whole was instrumental in Florida State’s run to the 2013 national championship. Here are the names to know on special teams for 2015:
The Headliner
Roberto Aguayo, Redshirt Junior (Kicker)
Perhaps the greatest kicker in Florida State history, Roberto Aguayo is coming off a second straight All-American season. As a freshman in 2013, Aguayo took home the Lou Groza Award before being named a consensus All-American as a sophomore a season ago. Aguayo is 48-for-52 in his career on field goal attempts and has never missed a kick shorter than 40 yards.
The Sleeper
Stephen Gabbard, Sophomore (Long Snapper)
As a freshman last season, Stephen Gabbard quietly had a solid season. The Seminoles had very few issues on snaps and there is little reason to expect much to be different this year.
The Future
Travis Rudolph, Sophomore (Punt Returner)
Listed as a punt returner on Florida State’s preseason depth chart, Travis Rudolph could be a real asset on special teams. Rudolph is known for his crisp route running, but is also good in the open field. The same could have been said for FSU’s all-time leading receiver Rashad Greene, who scored touchdowns on two punt returns as a sophomore in 2012.
Other Names to Know
Cason Beatty, Senior (Punter)
After being maligned for two seasons, Cason Beatty had a stronger year last season, averaging 41 yards-per-punt with a career-long of 67. If Beatty can improve even a little bit as a junior, punting could go from a perceived weakness for FSU to a quiet strength.
Kermit Whitfield, Junior (Kick Returner)
One of the heroes from Florida State’s BCS National Championship victory over Auburn, Kermit Whitfield took a step back as a sophomore in 2014. Whitfield averaged more than 36 yards per kick return as a freshman, but saw that number drop to below 21 last season. Whitfield however, still has blazing speed and with improved special teams blocking, could consistently set the FSU offense up with good field position this year.
Overview
Special teams is often an overlooked part of football, but with Roberto Aguayo being one of the nation’s most celebrated kickers, that may not be the case for Florida State. Aguayo has been close to automatic, but FSU did have its share of struggles in the return game last season. Kermit Whitfield, Jesus Wilson, Travis Rudolph and possibly Jalen Ramsey will have the opportunity to turn that around this year. If punter Cason Beatty can continue to improve, there shouldn’t be much to worry about for FSU fans in this phase of the game.
Related Articles
FSU Preseason Position Breakdown: Quarterbacks
FSU Preseason Position Breakdown: Running Backs
FSU Preseason Position Breakdown: Wide Receivers
FSU Preseason Position Preview: Offensive Line
FSU Preseason Position Breakdown: Defensive Line
FSU Preseason Position Breakdown: Secondary
FSU Preseason Position Breakdown: Secondary
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