Adam Yates named field goal kicker
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier can be somewhat of an innovator in the college football landscape.
He was one of the first coaches to suggest paying college football players. He revolutionized the down field passing attack when he was the coach at Florida, implementing the Fun N’ Gun. Now, he’s found a way to legally disguise which punter he will have in the game.
“We’re doing something interesting, that you guys may get a kick out of — both punters are wearing No. 13,” Spurrier said. “They both can’t stand right next to each other and be out there. Long as only one plays, they can have multiple numbers ... It’s just a way to save a number, to tell you the truth. We’ve got 105 guys; somebody’s got to double up. We can only have one punter out there at a time. We may start a new trend around the country. See about five punters, all in the same number. It’s legal, perfectly legal. Maybe we’ll put our other guy in the same number — long as they don’t play at the same time.”
The No. 13 was particularly lucky for redshirt sophomore Tyler Hull, who Spurrier said would be the first punter out, though Patrick Fish will also play. The depth chart lists Landon Ard as the kickoff man with Adam Yates as the field goal kicker.
Special teams coach Joe Robinson said Yates was able to win the job because of his consistency through the preseason.
“He’s an older guy, he’s got some experience and he’s been very consistent,” Robinson said.
New kickoff rules: When it comes to the new kickoff rules for this season, Spurrier and Robinson both agree that if it makes the game safer, they’re on board.
Kickoffs will be moved up to the 35-yard line with a touchback placing the ball on the 25-yard line, likely leading to less kick returns this season.
“I think most coaches are still not inclined to roll the dice with a great returner,” Robinson said. “If you can achieve the touchback, you’re pretty excited. There’s been a lot of talk of people sky kicking and kicking the ball down to the 1-yard line. I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of people who are going to try that. We’ve got a plan right now with our kickers, so we’ll see what happens.”
Robinson said the average start in the conference last season was the 25-yard line, so with the new rule, a touchback would put you at the same position as the average starting point for last season.
The new rule also allows a fair catch on an “onside one-hopper” kick attempt, since there are usually big collisions there. Robinson said more onside kicks will be disguised to combat that.
Does Robinson like essentially taking the kickoff out of college football?
“Do you like being unemployed?” Robinson said. “I don’t want them to take the kickoffs out of the game. I’m just kidding. I’m all for player safety.”
Returners: Wide receiver Ace Sanders will handle the punt returns, while Bruce Ellington will be the top kickoff returner. Robinson said cornerback Victor Hampton and wide receiver Damiere Byrd would also get considerable time as kickoff returners throughout the season.