Sep 27, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers punter Daniel Carlson (38) kicks against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Special Teams
Returning Starters: Daniel Carlson (So.)
Returning Players: Alex Kviklys (Sr.)
Newcomers: None for Spring
Departures: Matthew Shiel (So. – Transfer), Jimmy Hutchinson (So. – Transfer), Quan Bray (Sr.), Corey Grant (Sr.), Forrest Hill (Sr.)
Daniel Carlson handled the vast majority of kicking duties last season, including the placekicking duties on field goals and extra points, punting and kickoffs. The coaching staff tried to limit Carlson’s duties at times by sending Alex Kviklys to handle some kickoffs or Jimmy Hutchinson or Matthew Shiel to punt every once in a while, but none were as consistent as Carlson, so the rising sophomore largely acted alone among the specialists.
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Hutchinson and Shiel have both transferred, which means Carlson and Kviklys will be the only specialists with game experience. Recent signee Ian Shannon will join the team this summer, and as a scholarship punter will have an opportunity to play immediately in hopes resting Carlson from time to time.
The Tigers will also be without top punt returner (and two time 2014 SEC Special Teams Player of the Week) Quan Bray, as well as kick returner Corey Grant. Roc Thomas and Ricardo Louis saw some action as a kick returner in 2014, and may work there again this spring. Candidates at punt return include Stanton Truitt and Tim Irvin, though we’re sure to see some surprises as well.
Also, the Tigers will be without long snapper Forrest Hill, who graduated. Michael Sulka is listed as a long snapper on the roster, and will likely have a chance to replace Hill.
Next: Spring SEC Running Back Power Rankings
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