Double-T Nation Post Season Awards :: Most Valuable Special Teams Player
by Seth C on Jan 26, 2010 12:00 PM CST
in Texas Tech Football
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This is the first annual "Double-T Nation's Post Season Awards". The categories which the DTN community will be nominating and voting are as follows: Offensive Rookie of the Year; Defensive Rookie of the Year; Most Improved Offensive Player; Most Improved Defensive Player; Special Teams Player of the Year; Offensive Player of the Year; Defensive Player of the Year; and Most Valuable Player.
I'd also ask that you not vote for Leach. I appreciate your loyalty, but I was trying to do something for the players. There are 20 different posts where you can discuss how pissed you are, but you'd be doing me a solid if you could play along.
DTN Post Season Award Winners:
- Offensive Rookie of the Year: WR Alexander Torres
- Defensive Rookie of the Year: S Cody Davis
- Offensive Most Improved Player: WR Lyle Leong
- Defensive Most Improved Player: DE Brandon Sharpe
Now we're getting down to the most valuable players for each unit, which is where I hope we have a ton of good discussion about who's earned a most valuable player designation.
Since special teams can be a tough thing to measure, especially since I don't know of any website that tracks special teams tackles, this vote is going to keep to the returners and kickers.
It's really not fair not to start with one freshman over another, but I think it's imperative to discuss both KR Eric Stephens and P Ryan Erxleben in the same breath. We've mentioned before about how Erxleben took over for Jonathan LaCour, who was suspended the first four games, and a struggling Donnie Carona, to average 40.8 yards per punt, pinning 17 inside the 20 yard line, 4 over 50 yards and no blocked punts. Erxleben's 40.8 average was good for 7th in the Big 12.
Kickoff returner Eric Stephens was nothing short of electric on kickoff returns, averaging 25.72 yards per return, good for 3rd in the Big 12. Stephens didn't take over the job until after the Rice game (Stephens had a 54 yard return and another long return that was called back in a blowout win) and it was his job from that point forward.
Redshirt freshman punt returner Austin Zouzalik wasn't spectacular, and his 9.57 yards per punt return wasn't lighting the world on fire, but he was solid the entire year and I cannot recall a time that he fumbled a punt. Despite what seems like low numbers, Zouzalike still finished 5th in the Big 12 in punt returns.
Kicker Matthew Williams wasn't spectacular, but he wasn't bad either. Perhaps the best thing about Williams wasn't that he made 11 of 14 field goals, good for 78.6% and 4th in the Big 12, but rather that you didn't even think about him missing an extra point the entire year (although he did miss 1 in that blowout win over Rice). Peace of mind is a good thing when it comes to extra points, especially when you consider how difficult 2008 was until Williams kicked himself onto the team.
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Stephens
The excitement he provides, knowing he could break one at any time, just keeps the fans inspired whenever he steps onto the field. No one else has generated that kind of feelings in the team or fans. He is an easy choice for me here.
TTpilk
Erxleban
My vote has to go to Ryan Erxleban. Even though his numbers weren’t off the charts it was very helpful to our defense to have a reliable punter throughout the season. Stephens did a great job but part of his credit has to be given to the Special Teams coach. He was brought in from Louisiana Tech to make us better and thats what he did. The blocking schemes and overall aspect of the kickoff returns changed and Stephens was the beneficiary for that. Eric Stephens was great and if he does as good of a job next year and breaks some for TD’s my vote will change.
I volted for lynnwood, but
I probably should have voted for other. The other being Austin Burns. Burns had a record setting season (most games as a starter) and has been very consistant all thur his Raider days. Gonna miss that guy. you know the type, you don’t notice because he does not make mistakes.
"There's going to be ups and downs but you have to enjoy the battle." Mike Leach
Erxleban part 2
I’m with Zcole on this. I went with Erxleban. I haven’t looked at all of the stats on where and when we punted. But consider this…
I’d bet that over half the time we were past mid-field and had a 4th and whatever, we went for it. So most of our punts would have been from our side of the field. That said, a 40+ average maintains field position and even dictates defensive strategy in some cases.
Not to mention that if we are punting, there is some pressure on him b/c we don’t do it much. Therefore, when he is sent out there, it is specifically for field position and he has to perform. I’m impressed with how he handled this throughout the year.
IMWTx
One more note
Want to be clear I am a Eric Stephens fan for sure. He is electric back there a lot of times. But IMO it is easier to find a consistent kick returner than a consistent punter. Another reason I voted for Erxleban.
In a lot of ways, this is like asking me if I want Miller Lite or Coors Light. Answer = either.
IMWTx
by imisswesttexas on Jan 26, 2010 1:31 PM CST up reply actions
No no, its ok
You caught it fast, and we all have to assume that typing about that golden goodness I call Miller Lite made you drink a few quickly. Now THAT would be your Tech education catching up to you.
I voted Matt
Just thought this kid did a great job from where he came from and still love the story of how he got here. Stephens did awesome as well but I’m waiting to see him reach the Welker or Tyrone Thurman ranks before I crown him. I think he has it in him but still needs another season to get there. No easy task obviously.
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
Hope Tville will continue.....
As the year went on we saw a marked difference in our special teams with a real special teams coach and I hope TT will continue all of the improvement there. I voted for Erxleban because he added height and distance and he was money putting it inside the opponents 20 yrd line when he had the chance. Also anytime we can get sa teasips son, I love it!!!!! wreck’Em Tech!
Last year's Special Teams GA is now in charge of Special Teams himself
with help from all the assistant coaches. Good special teams is a priority for Tubs.
by jeffinhouston on Jan 26, 2010 3:44 PM CST up reply actions
Went with Zouuuuuu...
I am not as high on Stephens as most others…….I am letting a little bias of wanting to see more Jeffers in lieau of Stephens creep over to his kickoffs. But, having said that, punt returns are absolutely nerve racking and we have had good once in the Leach era. I hope he carries on.
" I crammed 4 years of Tech into 5"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jan 26, 2010 2:55 PM CST reply actions
I voted other because I wanted to give some props to Austin Burns, Deep Snapper
He is ‘small’, he is consistent, and he has contributed to extra points and field goals with little recognition for 2 years.
Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.
And he started putting his kickoffs into the end zone this year. Not all of them of course, but I especially remember the OU game when he put a couple in the end zone against a pretty good breeze.
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
We all new Carona has a strong leg.
It has been fun watching him learn to get more out of it.
Sometimes a river boat can out run a pirate ship.
I voted for Lynwood.....
Mainly because I like screaming Lynwood during games and during game threads…….
" Answers -- Become Resources."
Without Questions; There are limited Resources...
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