2022 Louisville Football Guide: Special Teams

2022 Louisville Football Guide: Special Teams. Previous looks at the offensive and defensive lines, linebacker and secondary groups and the special teams unit are available.

Louisville's special teams were disappointing last season. They finished last in the ACC in field goal percentage (63.6%), tenth in PAT percentage and ninth in punt return average (40.9 yards). They had 39.2% of their kickoffs go for touchbacks and 20.8 yards per kick return. Jordan Watkins and Hassan Hall transferred in offseason to Ole Miss and Georgia Tech. Long-time starting long snapper Mitch Hall also left the team.

James Turner, Mark Vassett, Drew Brenowitz, Jawhar Jordan and Braden Smith are the projected starters for the 2021 Louisville football team. Turner needs to improve his accuracy in the 40-yard range. Vassesett is expected to start at punter. Brenowitz is the frontrunner to replace Mitch Hall as the long snapper. Jordan Watkins left the team and the returner position is still up for grabs. Bradens Smith is returning from a knee injury.

Brock Travelstead, Josh Johnson and Tyler Hudson are the key reserves for Louisville. Turner is struggling to perform well. Travel Steady has handled kickoff duties for the Cardinals and hit all five of his extra point attempts last season. Johnson is a shifty receiver and would provide a veteran presence on special teams. Hudson was an All-American receiver at Central Arkansas and has punt return experience.