Miami Hurricanes 2016: Special Teams Preview

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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One of the most underrated elements of football is special teams. Usually, fans and analysts focus their attention on the defense and offense. The special teams unit is a critical asset to any team. It can change field position, score points, and win football games. Many Miami Hurricane fans can recall the “Miracle in Durham” last season in Durham, North Carolina against the Duke Blue Devils.

Special Teams Preview

The special teams unit for the Miami Hurricanes is essential for all-around success for the season. So, it is important to survey the Miami Hurricane special team unit in 2016.

Here is the current depth chart for the upcoming game versus Florida A&M:

Punter:

Senior – Justin Vogel

Redshirt Freshman – Jack Spicer

Field Goals:

Junior – Michael Badgley

Redshirt Freshman – Diego Marquez

Kickoffs:

Junior – Michael Badgley

Redshirt Freshman – Diego Marquez

Holder:

Senior – Justin Vogel

Redshirt Sophomore – Malik Rosier

Long Snapper:

Sophomore – Jordan Butler

Redshirt Senior – Frank Gabriel

Short Snapper:

Redshirt Senior – Frank Gabriel

Sophomore – Jordan Butler

Punt Returns:

Junior – Braxton Berrios

Senior – Corn Elder

Senior – Stacy Coley

Kickoff Returns:

Redshirt Senior – Malcolm Lewis

Junior – Braxton Berrios

Senior – Stacy Coley

Reliability

The Canes’ return two reliable, productive kickers, punter Justin Vogel and placekicker Michael Badgley. Vogel, who returns as Miami’s only player with a preseason all Atlantic Coast Conference selection, looks to maintain and improve his average of 42.5 yards per punt from last season. Badgley set a school record in 2015 with 25 field goals

Sep 19, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes kicker Michael Badgley (15) reacts after kicking the game-winning field goal to defeat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 36-33 in overtime at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

(missed five). Badgley nailed 40 out of 40 extra point attempts last season. From the kicking game standpoint, Mark Richt and the rest of the team are in good hands.

In the punt and kickoff return team, Richt wants reliability before playmaking ability. That is why veterans like Malcolm Lewis and Braxton Berrios are the ones receiving kicks. Can Lewis or Berrios take one to the house? They are capable, but Miami may have more explosive options like Coley or Elder (two returns for touchdowns in 2015) or a young freshman like Malek Young or Sam Bruce. Depth is a concern at many positions. Miami can not afford the extra opportunity for injury for players like Elder or Coley.

Throughout the season, fans should watch if special teams coach Todd Hartley experiments with different players at the return positions in order to change a game.