Gators Look to Improve Punt Returns Under Coach Nord

What once used to be one of Florida’s biggest strengths is now something that greatly needs improvement.

The Gator football team has struggled in punt return performances and special teams in general. Antonio Callaway had a breakout season last year fielding punts; he tied a single-season record as a freshman with two punts returned for a touchdown. During Florida’s key loss to Tennessee however, Callaway had three special teams errors when fielding kicks that placed his team in bad field position. Callaway did not gain a single yard on any of his returns throughout the game. Special teams coach Greg Nord says the unit needs to become more consistent going forward into the season.

Focus… pic.twitter.com/KZXE69yI2s

— BALI (@Ripbobby_G) September 11, 2016

A positive to the special teams unit is the near-perfect performance from punter Johnny Townsend. Last season, Townsend led the SEC in net punting average as well as punts inside the 20-yard line. He has flipped the field many times for the Gators over the course of the season.  Coach Nord says Townsend is among the nations elite punters.

The Gators also have been average in kick coverage and in the kick return game as well.   They have not blocked a punt either this season and Nord says the team is working hard to become better in that facet of the game.

We’ll see if special teams are indeed special this weekend when Florida hosts LSU on Saturday.