Blue White Game preview: Special Teams

It's almost game time, and we finish up the Blue White Game preview with Special Teams. The kicking situation is a bit garbled, with several returning vets competing against a high-profile true freshman. The punter remains Jeremy "Boom" Boone, and the returners are still up in the air due to a few key injuries. Special teams usually swing the outcome of a game, but things are still unsettled for Penn State in this very important unit.

KICKERS

• No. 36, Colin Wagner. Redshirt Junior. Starter.

What we already know: Wagner appeared in four games last fall, making his only field goal (43 yards), and kicked off three times for a 67.7 yard average, besting Kevin Kelly's 66.2. Wagner looks to be the leader for the kicker job.

What to expect: Evaluating what you expect form a kicker is tough enough during the regular season. The only expectations I can realistically set for the Blue White Game would be for Wagner to launch a few deep kickoffs, don't allow the returners to take the ball out of the end zone, and make a decent field goal or two. There is some competition, though, with Anthony Fera coming in this season, so Wagner has to stay sharp.

• No. 29, Anthony Fera. Grayshirt Freshman. Likely Backup.

What we already know: For a kicker, Fera has a large build (6'2" 230), and the leg to go with it. A Texas product, Fera was a big pickup, as Penn State noticeably beat out Michigan for Fera's services. The coaches like his power, and his accuracy is coming along fine.

What to expect: As most likely the second team kicker, I want to see Fera's size translate into power. Kevin Kelly came in four years ago, and wowed the team with his coolness under pressure. Now, it's Fera's turn.

• No. 28, David Soldner. Redshirt Freshman. Backup.

What we already know: Soldner has gained the interest of the coaching staff, which has said he's in the thick of the kickers race this year.

What to expect: He's apparently very balanced, and a reliable kicker, so I expect that to show on Saturday. If he wants to bypass Fera on the depth chart, he'll need to continue progressing as the coaches have said he has.

PUNTERS

• No. 41, Jeremy Boone. Redshirt Senior. Starter.

What we already know: Boone continues Penn State's recent trend of developing elite punters. In 2008, Boone arguably out-performed the other Big Ten punters in terms of accuracy, frequently pinning opponents inside the five. He averaged 43 yards per punt, with a long of 57, 15 inside the 20, six over 50 yards, and most importantly, no blocked punts.

What to expect: If you're not at the game, you'll have to listen closely for the crowd's "Boom!" (or "Boone," not sure b/c both could work) when Boone lets one rip. I'm not at all concerned about his development, and everything should be fine barring injury.

• No. 49, Ryan Breen. Redshirt Sophomore. Backup.

What we already know: Breen appeared in the opener last season, finishing with two kickoffs for a 66.2 average. It's been reported the coaches like his power, but the accuracy still needs some work.

What to expect: Being the only real punter behind Boone, it would be nice to see Breen come out and drop a few "coffin kicks," or, at least, some inside the 20.

RETURN SPECIALISTS

• No. 2, Chaz Powell. Redshirt Sophomore. Kick/Punt returner (migh not play due to injury).

What we already know: Powell is listed by a few sources as both the punt and kick returner for the 2008 spring session. He was fantastic as AJ Wallace's replacement on kickoffs, as Powell averaged 29 yards on nine returns, with a long of 69.

What to expect: If Powell can go on Saturday, I'm not sure the coaches want to waste him on returns. Or, they might use him just on returns, and not in the offense. I'm honestly not sure, as this is a tough situation to figure out with less than 24 hours until kickoff.

• No. 6, Gerald Hodges. Grayshirt Freshman. Kick Returner.

What we already know: I was surprised to hear that Hodges was in line to return kicks this year, which is very exciting. He's apparently very fast, with great acceleration.

What to expect: Hodges could put on a one-man show in Beaver Stadium, if the opportunities present themselves. Hodges should play a lot on defense, and if the kickoff returns happen, I'm looking for him to break a couple.

• No. 8, D'Anton Lynn. Sophomore. Punt Returner.

What we already know: Lynn is the only Nittany Lion returning this season to field a punt in 2008. It was a nice little 10-yard advance, but nothing special. I'm assuming he's in line for the job, but don't be surprised to see him splitting time with someone with good hands, like Graham Zug.

What to expect: If Lynn is in fact the punt returner, then I want to see good hands above everything else. During my early days at Penn State, young punt returners dropping the ball cost Penn State.

Injured: No. 1, AJ Wallace. Senior. Kick Returner.

What will happen: Wallace's hamstring injury is bugging me more every time I think about it. He's probably one of the best kickoff returners Penn State's ever had, but he can't stay completely healthy. I won't be upset if he doesn't end up returning kicks this year, as I'd much rather see him as a full time corner.

• • •

Previously...
Monday: Quarterbacks and Running Backs
Tuesday: Receivers and Tight Ends
Wednesday: Offensive line,
Thursday: Defensive Line (pt. 1), Linebackers (pt. 2)
Friday: Defensive Backs (pt. 1), Special Teams (pt. 2)

Next up...
Saturday night: Report from the game, photos, etc.

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