KO coverage team role in developing defense players

[MililaniBuckeye]

Reading Bobby Carpenter's thread earlier reminded me of his tackle as a true freshman on the opening kickoff of the the 2002 season opener against Texas Tech, the very first play of the season. This made me think of how Tressel uses the kickoff coverage team to help allow backup LBs and DBs develop game speed, reflexes, pursuit angles, and tackling, while also rewarding them with playing time. IIRC, Carpenter, Hawk, D'Andrea, and White all played on the KO coverage team as true freshmen in 2002. I just watched the NW from this past season, and noted the coverage defenders (excluding Huston, of course):

3 - O'Neal (DB)
14 - Smith (DB)
16 - Robinson (LB)
19 - Harden (DB/WR)
30 - Welch (DB)
32 - Mitchell (DB)
33 - Laurinaitis (LB)
34 - Harley (DB)
35 - Patterson (DB)
44 - Terry (LB)

Note that with the exception of Harden who is currently listed on the roster as a WR (still played on defense last year), all are LBs and DBs and, with the exception of Mitchell, none were starters at their positions (Laurinaitis took over only after Carp got hurt). You would have to think that just as playing on KO teams helped Carpenter and Hawk develop early, that it also helped Laurinaitis and O'Neal this year as very probable starters, along with others on the team who will be possible starters or immediate backups (most likely Mitchell, Terry, Smith).

I wonder how many other teams use defensive players exclusively on their KO coverage teams. osugrad21 and 808 buck: As HS football coaches yourselves, do you think that playing on KO coverage teams helps a defensive player's development as much as I think it does?

[scooter1369]

I certainly see the advantages of using the younger defensive players on KO coverage. And its not uncommon in most programs. The younger guys earn their stripes on special teams. It allows them to adjust to the speed of the game, make full speed contact in real game situations, and hone their tackling skills. Most teams choose from their fastest players to be return men. KO coverage helps the younger guys develop pursuit angles and practice the basics: Watching the hips, wrapping up, shedding blocks and every once in a while, issue the occassional slobberknocker.

[Zurp]

Originally Posted by MililaniBuckeye

all are LBs and DBs and, with the exception of Mitchell, none were starters at their positions

I didn't think that even Mitchell was a starter. When did he start?

[osugrad21]

Originally Posted by MililaniBuckeye

osugrad21 and 808 buck: As HS football coaches yourselves, do you think that playing on KO coverage teams helps a defensive player's development as much as I think it does?

Special teams are a way to throw kids in the fire to see how they will react...for younger players, it can be viewed as a reward for hard work. The kickoff team is especially important as it can build immediate momentum or retain what is already rolling.

[Buckin' A]

If I remember correctly though, JT once said that he puts his best special teams players on the field (Hawk Carp, etc...) whereas some coaches will not put a lot of starters out there.

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

If I remember correctly though, JT once said that he puts his best special teams players on the field (Hawk Carp, etc...) whereas some coaches will not put a lot of starters out there.

That is true, JT has always put a few starters on special teams.

Good stuff Mili.