Special Teams:
Kicker: Rodrigo Blankenship
Punter: Jake Camarda
K Returner:Ahkil Crumpton
K Returner: Mecole Hardman
Punt Returner: Mecole Hardman
Punt Returner: James Cook
Now that’s what I call a special teams unit. Is there a better kicker in the country than Rodrigo Blankenship going into the year? The former walk-on got better and better as the season went on and made clutch kick after kick late in the year. The Rose Bowl victory doesn’t happen if he doesn’t nail a 55-yarder before half time and his kicking in overtime was incredible. Never have I felt better about a UGA kicker than I do in 2018.
I know he’s a true freshman but I think Jake Camarda is the guy at punter. His talent is tantalizing and while he might make a few mistakes, the Dawgs have the firepower on offense to make up for it. He has the potential to be a multiple time All-SEC level player at a position many overlook.
I expect the Dawgs to rotate returners a whole bunch because they are so loaded with talent. Mecole Hardman will be the 1a options, but don’t sleep on Ahkil Crumpton whose game is reminiscent of Isaiah McKenzie. I also think James Cook gets a look here at times and will make opponents look foolish if they give him space. The more touches Hardman gets on offense, the more I think the Dawgs bring in other options on special teams to help keep him fresh.