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Will Elder return punts this year

MiamiJoe

MiamiJoe

Sophomore
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Dec 1, 2012
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Even though Berrios brought one back I have always thought Elder was a far superior return man as he showed last season. I am glad that they are playing our best players on special teams and wonder if Bruce will get a chance at returning kicks this year too.
 
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The Franchise said:
He should against the best teams. Not in the exhibition season though.
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I wouldn't at all...what happens if we lose our #1 CB for the year over a stupid 22 yard return?? Tbh he's too valuable to the defense to risk injury over a kick return.
 
No way. Nor should Coley. Too risky to lose either one of those guys.
 
Zbrod95 said:
The Franchise said:
He should against the best teams. Not in the exhibition season though.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't at all...what happens if we lose our #1 CB for the year over a stupid 22 yard return?? Tbh he's too valuable to the defense to risk injury over a kick return.
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I wasn't talking about kicks. I was talking punts where the collisions are far less violent and there's usually less traffic. I wouldn't be averse to the idea of not using him at all as a return man for the reasons you mentioned, but against FSU or ND, if you can turn the tide with a PR TD you do it.

Sam might wind up putting a stranglehold on the PR gig anyway if Rick gives him a shot.
 
The Franchise said:
Zbrod95 said:
The Franchise said:
He should against the best teams. Not in the exhibition season though.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't at all...what happens if we lose our #1 CB for the year over a stupid 22 yard return?? Tbh he's too valuable to the defense to risk injury over a kick return.
Click to expand...

I wasn't talking about kicks. I was talking punts where the collisions are far less violent and there's usually less traffic. I wouldn't be averse to the idea of not using him at all as a return man for the reasons you mentioned, but against FSU or ND, if you can turn the tide with a PR TD you do it.

Sam might wind up putting a stranglehold on the PR gig anyway if Rick gives him a shot.
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Yeah, and key difference is that most KO returns usually get to the 20 to 30 yard line. Punts can happen anywhere on the field and can provide a much bigger difference in field position. That's comparing apples to oranges..
 
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The Franchise said:
Zbrod95 said:
The Franchise said:
He should against the best teams. Not in the exhibition season though.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't at all...what happens if we lose our #1 CB for the year over a stupid 22 yard return?? Tbh he's too valuable to the defense to risk injury over a kick return.
Click to expand...

I wasn't talking about kicks. I was talking punts where the collisions are far less violent and there's usually less traffic. I wouldn't be averse to the idea of not using him at all as a return man for the reasons you mentioned, but against FSU or ND, if you can turn the tide with a PR TD you do it.

Sam might wind up putting a stranglehold on the PR gig anyway if Rick gives him a shot.
Click to expand...

All of this.
 
8ball.webp

MiamiJoe said:
Even though Berrios brought one back I have always thought Elder was a far superior return man as he showed last season. I am glad that they are playing our best players on special teams and wonder if Bruce will get a chance at returning kicks this year too.
Click to expand...
 
Todd Gurley returned kicks his Freshman and Jr. years, so Richt doesn't seem opposed to putting his top players back there.

My guess is Bruce might get a look, with Elder/Coley getting getting some returns in big games, but Berrios will continue to be the main guy.
 
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It's actually an interesting question. Corn had some freakishly good returns last year. The question is whether it is worth the potential risk of losing our best CB to injury. I lean towards putting him out there, especially once we begin conference play. He's a weapon and a threat to score any time he touches the ball.
 
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