The Pinkie Previews: UofL Special Teams

The Cards’ special teams unit could be really good. They have enough skill position players with good speed and elusiveness to make some big plays in the return game and the field goal unit came on strong towards the latter part of last season. Here are some of the key contributors on special teams.

The Placekicker – Chris Philpott

No coincidence the field goal unit turned into a very solid group towards the end of the 2009 season when the field goal duties were handed to Chris Philpott. Rated as the sixth best kicker in the nation coming out of high school, Philpott got his chance with four games to play last year and proceeded to go 5-5 on field goals to finish the season.

His best game came against West Virginia, his first start if you will, in which he went 3-3 and accounted for all the Cards’ scoring that game. His leg strength has never been questioned. He once hit a 60 yard field goal in a kicking camp during his senior year of high school. However, when he came to Louisville in 2008, his accuracy left him and he found himself watching others get a chance.

This year, the reports on Philpott have been extremely positive. Coach Strong, not known for being overly complimentary of too many players, has consistently referred to Philpott as being outstanding. The coaches are indeed very confident in Philpott and expect him to have a big year. They will not be afraid to put him out there in crucial situations.

The Punter – Josh Bleser

I’ll keep this simple, Josh. Just punt the ball around 40 yards every time and don’t shank any 12 yards directly out of bounds. Thanks so much.

The Return Men – Josh Bellamy, Doug Beaumont

This is an area in which I am very interested in watching. We all know how spectacular Trent Guy was last year in the return game. For way too much of last season, Guy’s returns would account for a large part of the offense. This year, even though most are expecting a better offensive attack, the coaches are still looking for explosive plays from the returners.

Currently listed no. 1 on the depth chart is receiver Josh Bellamy. The 6-1, 205 lbs Bellamy does not have the pure speed of Trent Guy, but he does have the kind of speed to break one. Backing up Bellamy is senior Doug Beaumont. Doug has experience returning punts and kicks, so there’s no real concern with him back there. Anything that gives Doug a chance to get that first college touchdown is just fine with me.

Also, the coaches could use Vic Anderson, Bilal Powell, or Andrell Smith if necessary. Coach Strong has said they are not worried about finding return men and if Bellamy or Beaumont do not perform or are injured, don’t be surprised to see one of these guys back there.