In a conference like the SEC, where every game is highly competitive, special teams are important.
In a close game, that often makes the difference.
At Auburn, given Alex McPherson’s perfect hitting rate in 2023, one could assume that the Tigers dominated this phase of the game last season.
In some respects, that was true.
McPherson was one of two kickers in the country to have a perfect performance this season, and Auburn ranked 20th in the country in net punting.
However, Auburn was not perfect in reporting.
The Tigers ranked 103rd in opponent kick return yardage per return. Kick coverage is one area Auburn will definitely want to improve by 2024.
“Tanner (Burns) believes we are leagues better and we will be leagues better on all of our coverage teams because we have so many young players in depth,” head coach Hugh Freeze said Friday.
“We have more guys that can run, and they’re bigger and stronger, and that’s what you need, especially with some of these coverage units,” Freeze continued.
According to Freeze, athletes in coverage units are important and he believes Auburn has improved in that regard over the course of the season.
“You need bigger, fresher, faster bodies, and it feels like we’ve improved that,” Freeze said.
Auburn still has questions about other aspects of special teams entering the season, with the biggest concern being McPherson’s health.
McPherson has not practiced during fall camp as he continues to recover from a gastrointestinal illness. Although he did not give a timetable for his return, Freeze sounded optimistic about McPherson’s progress on Friday.
“Alex is doing better. He is gaining weight and feeling better every day,” Freeze said.
With McPherson out, newcomer Towns McGough has taken over the kicking duties, in whom Freeze has placed great confidence.
The other question is who will return kicks and punts for Auburn this season.
Freeze said he expects running back Jeremiah Cobb to be the primary kick returner, but there is an ongoing battle for the punt returner role.
“Look at Malcolm Simmons, Bryce (Cain) and Dre Lambert-Smith, they’re all pretty solid in the punt return game,” Freeze said.
Simmons, a first-year wide receiver, has already received high praise for his speed.
“We threw a little toss sweep to Malcolm from the 25-yard line in the first little red zone lockout contest and he looked like an absolute jet,” Freeze said. “We didn’t have that kind of weapon last year.”
