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.

[bucknut11]

Originally Posted by Bucknut319

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.

He seems to use starters on punt coverage quite often, whereas (like Mili said) the KO team is generally non-starters.


Mili, I didn't see Hoobler on that list of KO team, but I remember him being on it quite a bit.


As for Bobby... I loved the comment from his dad. They're so proud of that moment and it seems as though that really sparked a great career. I still smile when I see that picture...

[BB73]

Originally Posted by Zurp

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

In 2003, Mitchell started at free safety against Washington and San Diego State, and at nickel against NC State.

In 2004 he started against MSU and Purdue.

The official site hasn't posted the information for 2005 yet.

[crazybuckfan40]

Originally Posted by BB73

In 2003, Mitchell started at free safety against Washington and San Diego State, and at nickel against NC State.

In 2004 he started against MSU and Purdue.

The official site hasn't posted the information for 2005 yet.

Yeah I think I read in an article yesterday that Mitchell has like 5 official starts and has played in 30 some odd games.

[MililaniBuckeye]

I thought Mitchell got a start or two due to a starter being dinged up...could be wrong (I do know he had that INT TD at Indiana). As for Hoobler being on the KO coverage team, I've seen him out there, too, but I was using the players that were on the KO team in the Northwestern game. I'm looking forward to seeing who will be on the KO coverage team for the season opening kickoff. Hmmm, maybe I'll start a thread on who will be on that team...

[buckguin]

Sorta off topic but one thing I have noticed is every player having to touch the endzone on a kickoff.. I just thought this was common practice till I started to really pay attention to it this year and I noticed that barely anybody did that.. It looks really good when OSU does it..

[Zurp]

Originally Posted by buckguin

Sorta off topic but one thing I have noticed is every player having to touch the endzone on a kickoff.. I just thought this was common practice till I started to really pay attention to it this year and I noticed that barely anybody did that.. It looks really good when OSU does it..

I've noticed that, too, and I think it's pretty neat. I haven't paid attention to other teams.

I also like the way they're lined up before running onto the field, so they're already in position. I don't know the point of that.

[Underdogg44]

Originally Posted by Zurp

I've noticed that, too, and I think it's pretty neat. I haven't paid attention to other teams.

I also like the way they're lined up before running onto the field, so they're already in position. I don't know the point of that.

I am pretty sure if it is a touchback the players HAVE to reach the endzone, unless they get smoked on their way down. Of course it isn't a football rule, but I think it is a coach's rule.


Special teams is what made Sir Welch my second fav. player.

[BuckNutJoeHall]

Touching the end zone is a thing many coaches use to instill the drive in the players to never slack off. Taking breaks means the other team can capitalize. To counteract a guy slacking off, a coach orders the guys to make sure they sprinted the whole way to the endzone even if it's a touchback. Teaches you to not let down.

[thackattack]

Didn't Nate Salley and Mitchell alternate starts or have quite the competition in 03? It could have been Donte and Mitchell, but I don't think so. Mitchell definitely started some games that year.