• With UM so limited at cornerback, one of the biggest questions for Mark Richt is whether to expose Corn Elder, his top cornerback and top returner, to the risk of injury on punt or kickoff returns.
Elder averaged 13.8 yards and scored a touchdown on 11 punt returns, and 33.8 yards on five kickoff returns (including the Duke miracle).
“At Georgia, Todd Gurley was their best player; he was returning kickoffs,” said UM special teams coordinator Todd Hartley, who worked for Richt with the Bulldogs. “Our best players are going to play. You can't be worried about [risk of injuries] too much. There are some discussions obviously, but if he's our best punt returner and gives us the best chance to change the game in a punt return, the guy is going to be out there.
“I do have options, which is a great thing. I know about Corn. You look at [freshmen receivers and summer arrivals] Sam Bruce, Ahmmon Richards, Dionte Mullins. These kids are dynamic with the ball in their hands, so why not give them an opportunity to do that? That's what's good about spring and fall camp. You try them out…. You can win or lose a game on special teams quicker than any other phase of the game. In order to be great on special teams, you best players have to play.”
From Miami herald Barry Jackson buzz,
This is a welcomed sight and agressive thinking I like it
