We finalize our depth chart breakdown series today by taking a look at the special teams. Be sure to catch each of our previous 9 position breakdowns over the past two weeks.

Special Teams analysis:

The Flames have struggled on special teams since Coach Gill arrived. Now, Liberty must replace kicker John Lunsford who is currently in camp with the San Francisco 49ers. Gill hopes his recent hiring of Scott Downing as special teams coordinator will pay immediate dividends. Downing has an impressive resume including 7 years as a head coach at Northern Colorado. He’s also been special teams coordinator at previous stops including Wyoming, Purdue, Tulsa, and the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

Kicker

1. Alex Probert (Fr., 5-9, 170)

It’s unusual for an incoming true freshman to be placed atop the depth chart before he arrives on campus, but such is the situation the Flames find themselves in. Probert seems to have a very strong leg, but we will have to wait and see how his game translates to college.

Punter

1. Trey Turner (Jr., 5-11, 195)

In each of his first 2 seasons at Liberty, Turner has been named to the Big South All-Conference team. He has also led the Big South in punting as he has averaged over 40 yards per punt each year.

 

Holder

1. Trey Turner (Jr., 5-11, 195)
2. Bo Swanson (Jr., 6-6, 210)

Long Snapper

1. Hunter Winstead (Jr., 6-0, 215)

Winstead has started 25 straight games at long snapper for the Flames, and he was named 2nd-team All-Conference following the 2015 season.

2. David King (So., 6-1, 210)

 

Kick Returner

TBA

Punt Returner

1. Zac Parker (Sr., 5-9, 175)

Parker showed some promise as Liberty’s top punt returner in 2015, averaging 10.4 yards per punt and 1 punt returned for touchdown. While he is very explosive, he’s also given coaches and fans heartburn as he has struggled to field punts cleanly on occasion. Of course, we all remember Parker’s fumbled punt at the end of the Gardner-Webb game in 2015 which sealed Liberty’s fate in that game.

2. Damian King (So., 5-11, 170)

King did not return any punts last season, but he was Liberty’s top kick returner as he averaged 20.7 yards per return.