Louisville will have some new faces on special teams this year after going a few seasons with familiar faces handling the kicking and punting duties. Brock Travelstead and Brady Hodges have moved on, and we could also see some new blood in the return game. The only true full-time returner on special teams will be Shai Kochev, the long snapper. With all of the changes, the Cards have emphasized special teams during fall camp. A strong kicking game can be a major factor in a season. The Cards know
that better than most after losing four games last year by one score.
The competition for the kicker spot has been tough and may not be settled until the first time the Cards line up for a kick. Nick Keller is the most experienced option, with Cooper Ranvier also battling for the position. Keller has handled the kickoff duties for the last two years, which stands out as Brock Travelstead was known for his big leg. Neither player has kicked a field goal in a game, which leads me to believe that whoever the first man up is will keep the job if they’re consistent. Carson Hilbert is another guy to look out for here. The son of former Card, Jon Hilbert, is a talented kicker as well.
Carson Shwartz likely solidified his spot as the starting punter after a very strong performance in the bowl game to end the season. Shwartz averaged 43.6 yards per punt in the game after only punting a handful of times during the season. He will enter this year with competition from David Chapeau, who transferred from Central Michigan, where he averaged 41.7 yards per punt in one season.
In the return game, we’ll likely see some of UofL’s top talent returning kicks. Caullin Lacy had a touchdown return on a kick in the Miami game and nearly broke a punt return against Washington. One has to wonder if durability and potential injury will factor into the coach’s decision on who gets the call, but it will be hard not to put Lacy, Isaac Brown, and Duke Watson in a position to change a game. As of now, I think Lacy will get the nod at both return positions, but I would be surprised if we did not see Brown and others in the mix as well.
BRAKOUT CANDIDATE
While I believe the kicking competition is ongoing, I expect Nick Keller to have a big year when it comes to long field goals. This dude just has a big leg, and I think he’ll get the call when they need a long kick, whether he is the starting kicker or not. If the game is on the line or they are going into halftime with an opportunity to put three points on the board from 50 or more yards, I think Keller will get the chance. If he can make those consistently, he’ll get some recognition this season.
