Since we have updated both Offense and Defense, we figured we might as well offer a quick update on what we have seen special teams wise.

Rumors

Zeb Miller will be the full-time kicker this year.  The R-Fr out of Ankeny, IA has big shoes to fill after the graduation of four-year starter Brandon Hellevang.  The Sioux have had a rich history of outstanding kickers.  Names like Pat Beaty, Cory Solberg, Juan Gomez Tagle, Cameron Peterka, and Jeff Glas bring back alot of good memories to Sioux fans.  We are hoping Zeb will be the next in line.  He appears to have a very strong leg but like any freshman accuracy will come with time.  We always like to see a young kicker get his chance and then develop over the years.  History has proved this method to work well.  We do not see the Sioux putting Miller in many long FG situations early in the year, especially with such a solid defense.  If there is any doubt we would think they will opt to pooch or corner kick it and play defense. 

Brett Cameron will take over the full-time punting duties.  He split time last year with Brandon Hellevang and is now ready to take over the position.  The sophomore out of Winnipeg averaged 44 yards per punt and knocked 5 of them inside the 20 last year.  He has worked hard since stepping on campus to speed up his delivery and he appears to have done that.  He possesses a strong leg and even stronger genes.  His father, Bob, was recently inducted in to the CFL Hall of Fame as a 23-year punter for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  Yes, 23 years! 

Sophomore Erik Mersereau appears to be the main man on Punt Returns and Kickoff Returns.  He averaged 19 yards per punt return last year and is also one of the fastest players on the Sioux roster.  Josh Murray will be back there with him on kick returns and possibly punt returns.  Those two guys bring contrasting styles to the return game with Mersereau’s being speed and Murrays being power/cutting ability.  Ryan Dressler, who returned punts for part of last year, will also be in the mix.

We are looking for even better special teams this year under 3rd year coach Josh Kotelnicki.  They have shown marked improvement the last couple years in all phases and should get even better with the influx of talent/speed.