Special Teams in 2026: A special concern?

[2D]

While it's easy to focus on offense and defense, I've been thinking on our Special Teams over the course of this off-season. A key part of Iowa's strategy is using Special Teams to our advantage and using hidden yardage to help win in the margins. Our ST was greatly affected from transfers and graduations. If we want to be successful, especially in games where we play a superior opponent, ST has been critical to success.

I firmly believe last year our Special Teams (outside of Wetjen's All-American performance) did not perform to the level we're used to, which concerns me when you look at the key losses that we've experienced this off-season.

Spoiler: Examples of ST Struggles

Iowa State - Wetjen backwards return to Iowa 5
UMass - Blocked Punt / PAT MISSED
Rutgers - 40 yd FG MISSED
Indiana - 42 yd FG MISSED / Blocked Punt NET 29 yd
Penn State - 46 yd FG MISSED / 35 Yd Return of Blocked Field Goal
Oregon - -39 yd snap from Longer Snapper resulting in Safety

Key Losses:
LeVar Woods (Hired at MSU)
Kaden Wetjen (Graduate)
Drew Stevens (Graduate)
Rhys Dakin (Transfer to MSU)

Key Additions:
Chris Polizzi (Hired from within)
Eli Ozick (JR. Transfer from NDSU)
Boston Everitt (FR. University of Melbourne)
Tanner Philpott (JR. Simpson College)


The hire of newly appointed ST Coordinator Chris Polizzi has provided some confidence after Coach Woods' departure, as he's been a graduate assistant at Iowa previously, two decades of coaching experience, and most recently being an analyst for the defense.

That begs the question, who is going to be starting?

Kicker: Eli Ozick - NDSU is a solid program and nabbing an experienced kicker from them should be one of the less concerning things for this upcoming season. Will be a step down in sheer leg strength from Stevens though.

Punter: Boston Everitt - We've had plenty of success with starting young Aussie punters, and I suspect despite not having the experience that Philpott has, Everitt has a much bigger upside, while Philpott is likely a "break glass in case of emergency" guy. Let's just hope he performs better than Dakin did in his Freshman campaign.

Long Snapper: Ike Speltz - Speltz saw some action last season splitting snaps in the first three games, so he has in game experience. But he's also the only LS on the roster. Let's hope he doesn't sail a snap over our punter's head during a game like our last LS.

Kick Returner: Nathan McNeil - McNeil's shifty athleticism isn't something that can be learned, and I think it can be utilized best with the PR position when he isn't taking snaps at RB. This gives him more in game experience as he'll likely be third in the RB room.

Punt Returner: Zack Lutmer - I think this has been a lock for some time. Probably the position I have the most confidence in.



The question I ask the board is, how are your current feelings on the Special Teams? Did anyone pay attention to them during the Spring Practice? Did anything stand out if you did? Do you think this is a big concern going into this next season? I think, like every part of the team, is an important thing to examine with just how many changes we've had over the off-season.

 

[eyesofhawk]

While it's easy to focus on offense and defense, I've been thinking on our Special Teams over the course of this off-season. A key part of Iowa's strategy is using Special Teams to our advantage and using hidden yardage to help win in the margins. Our ST was greatly affected from transfers and graduations. If we want to be successful, especially in games where we play a superior opponent, ST has been critical to success.

I firmly believe last year our Special Teams (outside of Wetjen's All-American performance) did not perform to the level we're used to, which concerns me when you look at the key losses that we've experienced this off-season.

Spoiler: Examples of ST Struggles

Iowa State - Wetjen backwards return to Iowa 5
UMass - Blocked Punt / PAT MISSED
Rutgers - 40 yd FG MISSED
Indiana - 42 yd FG MISSED / Blocked Punt NET 29 yd
Penn State - 46 yd FG MISSED / 35 Yd Return of Blocked Field Goal
Oregon - -39 yd snap from Longer Snapper resulting in Safety

Key Losses:
LeVar Woods (Hired at MSU)
Kaden Wetjen (Graduate)
Drew Stevens (Graduate)
Rhys Dakin (Transfer to MSU)

Key Additions:
Chris Polizzi (Hired from within)
Eli Ozick (JR. Transfer from NDSU)
Boston Everitt (FR. University of Melbourne)
Tanner Philpott (JR. Simpson College)


The hire of newly appointed ST Coordinator Chris Polizzi has provided some confidence after Coach Woods' departure, as he's been a graduate assistant at Iowa previously, two decades of coaching experience, and most recently being an analyst for the defense.

That begs the question, who is going to be starting?

Kicker: Eli Ozick - NDSU is a solid program and nabbing an experienced kicker from them should be one of the less concerning things for this upcoming season. Will be a step down in sheer leg strength from Stevens though.

Punter: Boston Everitt - We've had plenty of success with starting young Aussie punters, and I suspect despite not having the experience that Philpott has, Everitt has a much bigger upside, while Philpott is likely a "break glass in case of emergency" guy. Let's just hope he performs better than Dakin did in his Freshman campaign.

Long Snapper: Ike Speltz - Speltz saw some action last season splitting snaps in the first three games, so he has in game experience. But he's also the only LS on the roster. Let's hope he doesn't sail a snap over our punter's head during a game like our last LS.

Punt Returner: Nathan McNeil - McNeil's shifty athleticism isn't something that can be learned, and I think it can be utilized best with the PR position when he isn't taking snaps at RB. This gives him more in game experience as he'll likely be third in the RB room.

Punt Returner: Zack Lutmer - I think this has been a lock for some time. Probably the position I have the most confidence in.



The question I ask the board is, how are your current feelings on the Special Teams? Did anyone pay attention to them during the Spring Practice? Did anything stand out if you did? Do you think this is a big concern going into this next season? I think, like every part of the team, is an important thing to examine with just how many changes we've had over the off-season.

Nothing is a big concern. This is Iowa football we're talking about.

If there were a big concern, it wouldn't be special teams. This is Iowa football we're talking about.

McNeil will not be the punt returner.

And no one paid attention to special teams during the spring. These are football fans we're talking about.

It's not important that fans examine anything.

A special OP?

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

I am slightly concerned about special teams, but only because Levar Woods is far and away the best ST coach in the country, and replicating his overall performance is most likely an impossible task.

I’m still confident that special teams will overall be good though. Ozick doesn’t have Steven’s leg, but he is more accurate. Which is less sexy, but more important at the end of the day. As long as they can hit 50, which he can, the K is fine. The punter is a toss up, but they will be okay at a minimum (probably).

Sidenote - there is only 1 Tory Taylor guys, he was a generational punter. There won’t be anyone as good as him in CFB as a whole, much less Iowa, for like 20 more years. Let’s adjust the punter expectations please.

Same goes for Wetjen. Once in a generation returner, first and only returner to win 2 Jet Awards. We will not see anyone like him for a minimum of 20 years. If Lutmer puts up only slightly above average numbers let’s not roast him please.

 

[2D]

I am slightly concerned about special teams, but only because Levar Woods is far and away the best ST coach in the country, and replicating his overall performance is most likely an impossible task.

I’m still confident that special teams will overall be good though. Ozick doesn’t have Steven’s leg, but he is more accurate. Which is less sexy, but more important at the end of the day. As long as they can hit 50, which he can, the K is fine. The punter is a toss up, but they will be okay at a minimum (probably).

Sidenote - there is only 1 Tory Taylor guys, he was a generational punter. There won’t be anyone as good as him in CFB as a whole, much less Iowa, for like 20 more years. Let’s adjust the punter expectations please.

Same goes for Wetjen. Once in a generation returner, first and only returner to win 2 Jet Awards. We will not see anyone like him for a minimum of 20 years. If Lutmer puts up only slightly above average numbers let’s not roast him please.

It's always tough losing a coach, especially one who was ingrained into the Iowa system like Woods was. Can't help but be slightly concerned, simply because of how good he was and his departure leaves big shoes to fill.

I remember a lot of the media bragging about Steven's ability to kick 60 yards all the time, but then there was the dreaded 40 yarders that seemed to be difficult for him. Hopefully Ozick, despite not bringing a bigger leg, has more accuracy in that range.

Punting really has never been the same since Tory left, huh? I still think Dakin underperformed to expectations. This will be our third freshman Aussie to be thrown onto the field. Third times the charm, maybe?

Lutmer has some great potential, and as long as someone is back there who is competent to catch the ball without making a mistake, I'm all for it.

 

[Hawkangler]

Woods left because he wants to be a head coach someday. He now has the asst. head coaches tag under Fitz. What really sucks is Dakin went with him. He was really coming into his own.

Our special teams are always good. I expect some drop off but Kirk focuses on all three phases of the game. Ozick is solid, feel good there. Will it be Philpott or Everitt. KR if McNeil could be solid and Lutmer at PR should be good. All that said, Stevens has had numerous game winning kicks. Wetjen will probably be missed more.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Woods left because he wants to be a head coach someday. He now has the asst. head coaches tag under Fitz. What really sucks is Dakin went with him. He was really coming into his own.

Our special teams are always good. I expect some drop off but Kirk focuses on all three phases of the game. Ozick is solid, feel good there. Will it be Philpott or Everitt. KR if McNeil could be solid and Lutmer at PR should be good. All that said, Stevens has had numerous game winning kicks. Wetjen will probably be missed more.

With loss of wetjen and Stevens always going to be bit of a drop but I think KF always has put emphasis on ST and think won’t see significant drop with our new coach.

from pretty good source with woods leaving allegedly this isn’t the first time he’s come to KF saying another school made an offer for more $ or the added job title like MSU did. (Guess Fitz went after a lot of the asst.). Think this time around KF told him then he should take it as it had become a recurring theme last few years. Said be best for both parties if he’s looking to advance his career and be a HC and left on good terms. Plus his son mason has no desire to follow I think also another sign there was no hard feelings with his departure.

 

[Oldman74]

While it's easy to focus on offense and defense, I've been thinking on our Special Teams over the course of this off-season. A key part of Iowa's strategy is using Special Teams to our advantage and using hidden yardage to help win in the margins. Our ST was greatly affected from transfers and graduations. If we want to be successful, especially in games where we play a superior opponent, ST has been critical to success.

I firmly believe last year our Special Teams (outside of Wetjen's All-American performance) did not perform to the level we're used to, which concerns me when you look at the key losses that we've experienced this off-season.

Spoiler: Examples of ST Struggles

Iowa State - Wetjen backwards return to Iowa 5
UMass - Blocked Punt / PAT MISSED
Rutgers - 40 yd FG MISSED
Indiana - 42 yd FG MISSED / Blocked Punt NET 29 yd
Penn State - 46 yd FG MISSED / 35 Yd Return of Blocked Field Goal
Oregon - -39 yd snap from Longer Snapper resulting in Safety

Key Losses:
LeVar Woods (Hired at MSU)
Kaden Wetjen (Graduate)
Drew Stevens (Graduate)
Rhys Dakin (Transfer to MSU)

Key Additions:
Chris Polizzi (Hired from within)
Eli Ozick (JR. Transfer from NDSU)
Boston Everitt (FR. University of Melbourne)
Tanner Philpott (JR. Simpson College)


The hire of newly appointed ST Coordinator Chris Polizzi has provided some confidence after Coach Woods' departure, as he's been a graduate assistant at Iowa previously, two decades of coaching experience, and most recently being an analyst for the defense.

That begs the question, who is going to be starting?

Kicker: Eli Ozick - NDSU is a solid program and nabbing an experienced kicker from them should be one of the less concerning things for this upcoming season. Will be a step down in sheer leg strength from Stevens though.

Punter: Boston Everitt - We've had plenty of success with starting young Aussie punters, and I suspect despite not having the experience that Philpott has, Everitt has a much bigger upside, while Philpott is likely a "break glass in case of emergency" guy. Let's just hope he performs better than Dakin did in his Freshman campaign.

Long Snapper: Ike Speltz - Speltz saw some action last season splitting snaps in the first three games, so he has in game experience. But he's also the only LS on the roster. Let's hope he doesn't sail a snap over our punter's head during a game like our last LS.

Punt Returner: Nathan McNeil - McNeil's shifty athleticism isn't something that can be learned, and I think it can be utilized best with the PR position when he isn't taking snaps at RB. This gives him more in game experience as he'll likely be third in the RB room.

Punt Returner: Zack Lutmer - I think this has been a lock for some time. Probably the position I have the most confidence in.



The question I ask the board is, how are your current feelings on the Special Teams? Did anyone pay attention to them during the Spring Practice? Did anything stand out if you did? Do you think this is a big concern going into this next season? I think, like every part of the team, is an important thing to examine with just how many changes we've had over the off-season.

If Lutmer isn't the punt returner, keep an eye on Vander Zee. He got lots of work there in the spring. McNeil is slippery with the ball in his hands but he has to prove he can consistently field the punt.

Something that will impact Iowa as much as anyone is the new rule limiting punt formations, movements, etc. It will drastically impact what they want to do. On the other hand, Iowa has always been really intent on blocking punts and/or making the punter uncomfortable. If the punt team is limited in what they can do, it makes it easier to dial up pressure. I'd be surprised if they don't try to take advantage of that.

 

[DukeSlater]

Woods left because he wants to be a head coach someday. He now has the asst. head coaches tag under Fitz. What really sucks is Dakin went with him. He was really coming into his own.

Our special teams are always good. I expect some drop off but Kirk focuses on all three phases of the game. Ozick is solid, feel good there. Will it be Philpott or Everitt. KR if McNeil could be solid and Lutmer at PR should be good. All that said, Stevens has had numerous game winning kicks. Wetjen will probably be missed more.

A solid post, but I might quibble a bit with this assertion: "Kirk focuses on all three phases of the game." The evidence strongly suggests KF has never paid a whole lot of attention to the offense. Lester is trying to fix that. But KF has always valued special teams, so they'll probably be pretty good again this year.

 

[2D]

Woods left because he wants to be a head coach someday. He now has the asst. head coaches tag under Fitz. What really sucks is Dakin went with him. He was really coming into his own.

Our special teams are always good. I expect some drop off but Kirk focuses on all three phases of the game. Ozick is solid, feel good there. Will it be Philpott or Everitt. KR if McNeil could be solid and Lutmer at PR should be good. All that said, Stevens has had numerous game winning kicks. Wetjen will probably be missed more.

Seldom do I remember a player that was an instant TD threat like Wetjen. As soon as he had the ball in his hands it felt like anything could happen. Nearly impossible to replace that kind of player. I'd be interested to see what our average starting field position was last year. We'll need every yard we can muster on punt and kick returns as we wait for the passing game to improve.

 

[HMB Trumpet]

I am slightly concerned about special teams, but only because Levar Woods is far and away the best ST coach in the country, and replicating his overall performance is most likely an impossible task.

I’m still confident that special teams will overall be good though. Ozick doesn’t have Steven’s leg, but he is more accurate. Which is less sexy, but more important at the end of the day. As long as they can hit 50, which he can, the K is fine. The punter is a toss up, but they will be okay at a minimum (probably).

Sidenote - there is only 1 Tory Taylor guys, he was a generational punter. There won’t be anyone as good as him in CFB as a whole, much less Iowa, for like 20 more years. Let’s adjust the punter expectations please.

Same goes for Wetjen. Once in a generation returner, first and only returner to win 2 Jet Awards. We will not see anyone like him for a minimum of 20 years. If Lutmer puts up only slightly above average numbers let’s not roast him please.

I mostly agree with this post--ST should still be good overall and we definitely can't expect guys to perform at the same level as Taylor and Wetjen. That said, I'm not sure that they are 20-year generational-type talent level.

There are a lot of great punters now. Last season 22 guys averaged over 45 yards per punt (and two others were just a shade under) with two of them averaging 48+. Taylor averaged about 45 yards for his first three seasons before hitting 48.2 as a senior.

Strictly as a punt returner, Wetjen could be generational (although there was another guy with 3 TDs last year). At KR that is less clear. There were several other guys with similar stats.

 

[eyesofhawk]

A solid post, but I might quibble a bit with this assertion: "Kirk focuses on all three phases of the game." The evidence strongly suggests KF has never paid a whole lot of attention to the offense. Lester is trying to fix that. But KF has always valued special teams, so they'll probably be pretty good again this year.

The evidence doesn't suggest anything close.

The guy specializes in OL, for crying out-loud

 

[eyesofhawk]

Seldom do I remember a player that was an instant TD threat like Wetjen. As soon as he had the ball in his hands it felt like anything could happen. Nearly impossible to replace that kind of player. I'd be interested to see what our average starting field position was last year. We'll need every yard we can muster on punt and kick returns as we wait for the passing game to improve.

And of course, yards from the rush game.

Those tend to help a passing game

 

[85Bears]

A solid post, but I might quibble a bit with this assertion: "Kirk focuses on all three phases of the game." The evidence strongly suggests KF has never paid a whole lot of attention to the offense. Lester is trying to fix that. But KF has always valued special teams, so they'll probably be pretty good again this year.

Offensive Line is the most importantly piece to any offense, why is KFs specialty ? Offensive line. Ridiculous post.

 

[83Hawk]

There is certainly no guarantee that special team performance this season will be as good or better than prior years. That being said, I am not concerned. The Hawks should continue to be fine at punter, and I am encouraged about having a more accurate place kicker. Kick/punt return should be fine.

The only spot that I think is a possible question mark is long snapper. Still…should be ok.

 

[RomanHawk]

The evidence doesn't suggest anything close.

The guy specializes in OL, for crying out-loud

You appear to be delusional. How did that specialty keep
keep us from having the worst offense in college football for a couple
of years.

 

[2D]

There is certainly no guarantee that special team performance this season will be as good or better than prior years. That being said, I am not concerned. The Hawks should continue to be fine at punter, and I am encouraged about having a more accurate place kicker. Kick/punt return should be fine.

The only spot that I think is a possible question mark is long snapper. Still…should be ok.

As cheesy as it sounds, I had a nightmare the night before I made this thread about a game winning kick hitting the uprights and us losing a game. I suppose that means my biggest concern is our kicking. But Ozick came from a good program and has plenty of experience. Hope to see some footage at the Kids Day practice of him knocking some through.

 

[r_desihawk]

I haven’t gone back to look carefully but my sense has been that Iowa special teams haven’t been all that great for a while. Yes, wetjen and coop were excellent punt/kickoffreturners but the remaining has been only average. we’ve actually had quite a few goofs/mishaps on STs when it comes to executing on FGs, and punts. in fact some losses were due to ST. i am hoping for a overall resurgence this year in ST play. perhaps we’ll get back to being a threat to block some punts to make up for wetjen’s departure on the other end of things

 

[eyesofhawk]

You appear to be delusional. How did that specialty keep
keep us from having the worst offense in college football for a couple
of years.

Lol, that's hilarious.

Did you start watching Iowa football in '22?

Given that we are talking about evidence, it would make sense to include all the evidence.

If a neutral investigator were asked to come in and examine the offensive evidence during KF's time at Iowa: 1. Once learning of the 2+ decades of winning football at Iowa, he may wonder why the offensive data should be analyzed, at all. But that's another story.
2. Given the offensive data were examined, it's likely, especially given the existence of a rebound, that KF's worst 2 seasons wouldn't be considered significant, at all.
3. And when discovering more detailed information about what happened in '22/'23 (that almost entirely amounts to bad luck), the analyst would absolutely consider those seasons mere throw aways.
4. After learning the specifics of '22/'23 and its subsequent rebound, the investigator would have only come away more impressed with who KF is, as a coach. But that's also another story.

Certainly, the analyst would cite much evidence that KF has had focus on the offense. And in no way would agree that "evidence strongly suggests" otherwise. That sentiment is pure garbage

 

[eyesofhawk]

As cheesy as it sounds, I had a nightmare the night before I made this thread about a game winning kick hitting the uprights and us losing a game. I suppose that means my biggest concern is our kicking. But Ozick came from a good program and has plenty of experience. Hope to see some footage at the Kids Day practice of him knocking some through.

Nightmare representing the story of your life, perhaps?

Probably not the first near miss, or first time being banged off a pole, for you

 

[RomanHawk]

Lol, that's hilarious.

Did you start watching Iowa football in '22?

Given that we are talking about evidence, it would make sense to include all the evidence.

If a neutral investigator were asked to come in and examine the offensive evidence during KF's time at Iowa: 1. Once learning of the 2+ decades of winning football at Iowa, he may wonder why the offensive data should be analyzed, at all. But that's another story.
2. Given the offensive data were examined, it's likely, especially given the existence of a rebound, that KF's worst 2 seasons wouldn't be considered significant, at all.
3. And when discovering more detailed information about what happened in '22/'23 (that almost entirely amounts to bad luck), the analyst would absolutely consider those seasons mere throw aways.
4. After learning the specifics of '22/'23 and its subsequent rebound, the investigator would have only come away more impressed with who KF is, as a coach. But that's also another story.

Certainly, the analyst would cite much evidence that KF has had focus on the offense. And in no way would agree that "evidence strongly suggests" otherwise. That sentiment is pure garbage

Like I said: delusional ! The offense has underperformed during nearly every year of KF's tenure.

 

[eyesofhawk]

Like I said: delusional ! The offense has underperformed during nearly every year of KF's tenure.

Well, I was only addressing your comments about '22/'23.

But if the O has underperformed, in your mind, all those seasons, then offensive "performance" just isn't that important.

So who the hell cares?

 

[RomanHawk]

Well, I was only addressing your comments about '22/'23.

But if the O has underperformed, in your mind, all those seasons, then offensive "performance" just isn't that important.

So who the hell cares?

It's just not that important if championships are not that important.

 

[eyesofhawk]

It's just not that important if championships are not that important.

No. You're the one who inferred offense isn’t that important by claiming Iowa has virtually always underperformed there.

Well, guess where Iowa hasn't underperformed.

By all accounts, Iowa, as a program, has outperformed expectations. Their job is to win. And they have done that better than can be expected.

Given that, if you believe Iowa's offense has, for the most part, underperformed, then you are rendering offensive performance to be not that important.

Because Iowa has done its job. Evidently, in a way that doesn't work for some

 

[Burghawk87]

I'm not gonna bother to show ignored posts but if "read better" is allowed to continue polluting the free boards with his trash, the mods (that allegedly exist) should just pay wall the whole site. I'm not gonna pay but neither will that weiner so ultimately it would be a win for the people who do.

 

[HMB Trumpet]

I haven’t gone back to look carefully but my sense has been that Iowa special teams haven’t been all that great for a while. Yes, wetjen and coop were excellent punt/kickoffreturners but the remaining has been only average. we’ve actually had quite a few goofs/mishaps on STs when it comes to executing on FGs, and punts. in fact some losses were due to ST. i am hoping for a overall resurgence this year in ST play. perhaps we’ll get back to being a threat to block some punts to make up for wetjen’s departure on the other end of things

How far back are you going when you say the remainder have only been average? Before Coop there was Charlie Jones, and before him was ISM. Kaleb Johnson, Desmond King, and Riley McCarron weren't at that same level, but better than average. You probably have to go back to 2014 to get to average.

 

[r_desihawk]

How far back are you going when you say the remainder have only been average? Before Coop there was Charlie Jones, and before him was ISM. Kaleb Johnson, Desmond King, and Riley McCarron weren't at that same level, but better than average. You probably have to go back to 2014 to get to average.

i didn’t word that well. i meant to say that outside of kick/punt return we have been average (ie at other aspects of ST) of late.
2023 special teams were a weapon (particularly with coop and tory) but since then big drop off

 

[Hawkfan_08*]

While it's easy to focus on offense and defense, I've been thinking on our Special Teams over the course of this off-season. A key part of Iowa's strategy is using Special Teams to our advantage and using hidden yardage to help win in the margins. Our ST was greatly affected from transfers and graduations. If we want to be successful, especially in games where we play a superior opponent, ST has been critical to success.

I firmly believe last year our Special Teams (outside of Wetjen's All-American performance) did not perform to the level we're used to, which concerns me when you look at the key losses that we've experienced this off-season.

Spoiler: Examples of ST Struggles

Iowa State - Wetjen backwards return to Iowa 5
UMass - Blocked Punt / PAT MISSED
Rutgers - 40 yd FG MISSED
Indiana - 42 yd FG MISSED / Blocked Punt NET 29 yd
Penn State - 46 yd FG MISSED / 35 Yd Return of Blocked Field Goal
Oregon - -39 yd snap from Longer Snapper resulting in Safety

Key Losses:
LeVar Woods (Hired at MSU)
Kaden Wetjen (Graduate)
Drew Stevens (Graduate)
Rhys Dakin (Transfer to MSU)

Key Additions:
Chris Polizzi (Hired from within)
Eli Ozick (JR. Transfer from NDSU)
Boston Everitt (FR. University of Melbourne)
Tanner Philpott (JR. Simpson College)


The hire of newly appointed ST Coordinator Chris Polizzi has provided some confidence after Coach Woods' departure, as he's been a graduate assistant at Iowa previously, two decades of coaching experience, and most recently being an analyst for the defense.

That begs the question, who is going to be starting?

Kicker: Eli Ozick - NDSU is a solid program and nabbing an experienced kicker from them should be one of the less concerning things for this upcoming season. Will be a step down in sheer leg strength from Stevens though.

Punter: Boston Everitt - We've had plenty of success with starting young Aussie punters, and I suspect despite not having the experience that Philpott has, Everitt has a much bigger upside, while Philpott is likely a "break glass in case of emergency" guy. Let's just hope he performs better than Dakin did in his Freshman campaign.

Long Snapper: Ike Speltz - Speltz saw some action last season splitting snaps in the first three games, so he has in game experience. But he's also the only LS on the roster. Let's hope he doesn't sail a snap over our punter's head during a game like our last LS.

Punt Returner: Nathan McNeil - McNeil's shifty athleticism isn't something that can be learned, and I think it can be utilized best with the PR position when he isn't taking snaps at RB. This gives him more in game experience as he'll likely be third in the RB room.

Punt Returner: Zack Lutmer - I think this has been a lock for some time. Probably the position I have the most confidence in.



The question I ask the board is, how are your current feelings on the Special Teams? Did anyone pay attention to them during the Spring Practice? Did anything stand out if you did? Do you think this is a big concern going into this next season? I think, like every part of the team, is an important thing to examine with just how many changes we've had over the off-season.

Just something to throw in there. Isn't Michael Burt working on long snapping in addition to playing TE?

 

[Oldman74]

Just something to throw in there. Isn't Michael Burt working on long snapping in addition to playing TE?

Michael Burt was a great long snapper in high school in addition to being a heavily recruited TE. In the spring he was the #2 LS.

 

[2D]

I'm not gonna bother to show ignored posts but if "read better" is allowed to continue polluting the free boards with his trash, the mods (that allegedly exist) should just pay wall the whole site. I'm not gonna pay but neither will that weiner so ultimately it would be a win for the people who do.

Judging by the amount of posts that have quoted him, it's clogging literally every thread at this point. It's great to see other users dunk on his lies and stupidity, but from the perspective of someone who can't see what he posts and only sees the users fighting him, it's become nearly impossible to have a conversation on this site at this point. This board has gone from a discussion based one, to resisting the resident retard's attacks board. A shame, but there are other forums to migrate to. I just wanted to get fellow fan's feel on our special teams, but it appears the same old song and dance has started in the replies judging from other user's responses.

 

[Oldman74]

Judging by the amount of posts that have quoted him, it's clogging literally every thread at this point. It's great to see other users dunk on his lies and stupidity, but from the perspective of someone who can't see what he posts and only sees the users fighting him, it's become nearly impossible to have a conversation on this site at this point. This board has gone from a discussion based one, to resisting the resident retard's attacks board. A shame, but there are other forums to migrate to. I just wanted to get fellow fan's feel on our special teams, but it appears the same old song and dance has started in the replies judging from other user's responses.

I put that moron on ignore months ago. I compare it to when I deleted Twitter 6 years ago. I don't have to see the constant antagonizing, self-important crap that comes out of his mouth.

 

[rchawk]

I put that moron on ignore months ago. I compare it to when I deleted Twitter 6 years ago. I don't have to see the constant antagonizing, self-important crap that comes out of his mouth.

Oldman I like the ignore option as well. Why would I want more stupidity in a day? It's like when people feel better after they quit Facebook.

 

[Athena45]

Judging by the amount of posts that have quoted him, it's clogging literally every thread at this point. It's great to see other users dunk on his lies and stupidity, but from the perspective of someone who can't see what he posts and only sees the users fighting him, it's become nearly impossible to have a conversation on this site at this point. This board has gone from a discussion based one, to resisting the resident retard's attacks board. A shame, but there are other forums to migrate to. I just wanted to get fellow fan's feel on our special teams, but it appears the same old song and dance has started in the replies judging from other user's responses.

Amen!

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

I mostly agree with this post--ST should still be good overall and we definitely can't expect guys to perform at the same level as Taylor and Wetjen. That said, I'm not sure that they are 20-year generational-type talent level.

There are a lot of great punters now. Last season 22 guys averaged over 45 yards per punt (and two others were just a shade under) with two of them averaging 48+. Taylor averaged about 45 yards for his first three seasons before hitting 48.2 as a senior.

Strictly as a punt returner, Wetjen could be generational (although there was another guy with 3 TDs last year). At KR that is less clear. There were several other guys with similar stats.

What made Tory generational was his touch to put it inside the 20, 10, or even 5 yard line. Almost 50% of his punts were inside the 20. Combined with one of the lowest touchback rates, he is one of the best ever to play CFB.

 

[eyesofhawk]

Judging by the amount of posts that have quoted him, it's clogging literally every thread at this point. It's great to see other users dunk on his lies and stupidity, but from the perspective of someone who can't see what he posts and only sees the users fighting him, it's become nearly impossible to have a conversation on this site at this point. This board has gone from a discussion based one, to resisting the resident retard's attacks board. A shame, but there are other forums to migrate to. I just wanted to get fellow fan's feel on our special teams, but it appears the same old song and dance has started in the replies judging from other user's responses.

No one else recognizes the obvious cover up here?

 

[iahawkeyes17]

How far back are you going when you say the remainder have only been average? Before Coop there was Charlie Jones, and before him was ISM. Kaleb Johnson, Desmond King, and Riley McCarron weren't at that same level, but better than average. You probably have to go back to 2014 to get to average.

Sounds about right. Wasn’t 14’ the year of the Jonathan Parker KO return vs Tenn in the bowl game.

 

[toddhawk]

My cousin is a huge Auburn fan and attends a lot of their games. Apparently he got into a huge discussion late last year at a game as to how it is that "Iowa finds all these guys and turns them into superstar punt returners that are better than ANYONE in the SEC". They apparently didn't come up with a good answer.. we truly have been blessed especially the last 4 years.

 

[2D]

My cousin is a huge Auburn fan and attends a lot of their games. Apparently he got into a huge discussion late last year at a game as to how it is that "Iowa finds all these guys and turns them into superstar punt returners that are better than ANYONE in the SEC". They apparently didn't come up with a good answer.. we truly have been blessed especially the last 4 years.

Always seems like we find the right guy because we knew what qualities to look for like vision, shiftyness, and someone who isn't scared of getting hit. I think McNeil should be in the running for PR, possibly Dayton Howard too.

 

[eyesofhawk]

Always seems like we find the right guy because we knew what qualities to look for like vision, shiftyness, and someone who isn't scared of getting hit. I think McNeil should be in the running for PR, possibly Dayton Howard too.

Dayton Howard Good Lord, you're hilarious

 

[WeBeHerkin]

Sounds about right. Wasn’t 14’ the year of the Jonathan Parker KO return vs Tenn in the bowl game.

aaaahhhhhh the Memz.

 

[HMB Trumpet]

What made Tory generational was his touch to put it inside the 20, 10, or even 5 yard line. Almost 50% of his punts were inside the 20. Combined with one of the lowest touchback rates, he is one of the best ever to play CFB.

Tory was indeed amazing--and still is with the Bears--especially when comparing historically. Yes, one of the best ever to play CFB. I'm not convinced, though, that the gap is very large between him and the current generation of punters. Michigan State's Ryan Eckley, drafted this year by the Ravens, has a career average of 47.6 yards and in 2025 averaged 48.53. (Both figures are better than Tory's career and season best.) Eckley was also adept at pinning opponents deep.