🏈 "The spread punt formation" introduced down there...

[TerryP]

...I go at great lengths to avoid posting things on this forum about Auburn. (UT I leave to 'chop)

In this case, I beg your forgiveness.

The article in Dothan's paper caught my attention this morning and I'll have to admit my curiosity as well.

This new scheme on punt formations has been installed by special teams coordinator Jay Boulware who coincedently was the special teams coordinator for Iowa State the last two seasons as well.

I bring up his past two years, not to draw attention to the 5-19 record of Chizik, but to draw attention to a national ranking of 98th in 2008 (allowed 12 yards per return average) and 51st in 2007 (just over 8 yards a return.)

Urban Meyer is credited for bringing this formation to popularity and UF's punt coverage was one of the best, if not the best, last year. But, no one in their right mind will tell you that the athletic talent at Auburn is on the same level as that of Florida.

Thoughts on how well this will do when put against teams with return specialist like some we see on a weekly basis in the SEC?

The word “spread” is taboo when discussing Auburn’s offense, but it’s been gladly welcomed on Auburn’s punt team.
Special teams coordinator Jay Boulware has installed a speed-based, spread punt formation this spring, where seven players line up on the line of scrimmage
and three surround the punter.
The unit, Boulware said, will not be your standard punt team. All seven on the line will be there more for their speed rather than their blocking ability.
All seven are to be considered “gunners.” In a normal formation, only two are granted that distinction.
“We basically have six for sure guys that are athletes,” Boulware said. “That’s probably one thing our fans will notice about our punt team next year is that we
have a lot of speed on it. We’re going to look like we’re a lot faster.”
Boulware was first introduced to the formation during his time at Utah. Former Utes coach Urban Meyer can be credited for the original installation.
“It’s to spread the other team out,” punter Ryan Shoemaker said. “We can cover a lot better and force the other team to be a lot harder to block a punt.”

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On a very somber note, Auburn looks like they may have lost Michael McNeil for the season yesterday in their practice. Several emergency vehicles responded to his leg injury. I heard last night from one Auburn fan that he had heard it was a severe leg break.



He was, at least in my eyes, going to be the best defensive backfield player next season. Sad to see a good athlete hurt like that.

 

[AlabamaAubKiller]

...I go at great lengths to avoid posting things on this forum about Auburn. (UT I leave to 'chop)

In this case, I beg your forgiveness.

The article in Dothan's paper caught my attention this morning and I'll have to admit my curiosity as well.

This new scheme on punt formations has been installed by special teams coordinator Jay Boulware who coincedently was the special teams coordinator for Iowa State the last two seasons as well.

I bring up his past two years, not to draw attention to the 5-19 record of Chizik, but to draw attention to a national ranking of 98th in 2008 (allowed 12 yards per return average) and 51st in 2007 (just over 8 yards a return.)

Urban Meyer is credited for bringing this formation to popularity and UF's punt coverage was one of the best, if not the best, last year. But, no one in their right mind will tell you that the athletic talent at Auburn is on the same level as that of Florida.

Thoughts on how well this will do when put against teams with return specialist like some we see on a weekly basis in the SEC?




Link


----


On a very somber note, Auburn looks like they may have lost Michael McNeil for the season yesterday in their practice. Several emergency vehicles responded to his leg injury. I heard last night from one Auburn fan that he had heard it was a severe leg break.



He was, at least in my eyes, going to be the best defensive backfield player next season. Sad to see a good athlete hurt like that.

Sad thing for the young man to be hurt, hope he's alright...but excuse me if i'm not reaching for the cleanex right away..........:halo: