CSD Mag Positional Rankings: Special Teams

Over the past month or so, I’ve rolled out 15 “teasers” for the CSD Mag (if you missed any, you can find them all under the football tab) Now, it’s time to start rolling out the full thing, starting with my “positional rankings” The categories for these are: QB, RB, WR, OL, DL, LB, DB, and ST (Special Teams). They will be released in that order.
All stats via sports-reference.com, and all recruiting rankings via 247sports.com
#1 – Florida
Kicker Eddy Pineiro made 21/25 field goals in 2016, Punter Johnny Townsend led the country in yards per punt, and returner Antonio Callaway averaged over 32 yards per return last year. Florida has the most dangerous special teams unit in football.
#2 – Minnesota
Kicker Emmitt Carpenter made 22/24 Field Goals and was named to the All-Big Ten First team in his first season as a starter. PJ Fleck was known for dangerous returns at Western Michigan, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see one here as well.
#3 – Kansas State
Bill Snyder’s son Sean is the Special Team coordinator for the Wildcats, and he has done such a good job, he is a candidate to take over for his dad in a few years. K Matthew McCrane has made 100% of extra points the past two seasons, and has made 36/40 Field Goals in his career. Returner Byron Pringle averaged 29 per return.
#4 – Western Kentucky
K Skyler Simcox made 16/22 field goals last season (Long of 52) and he is joined in the unit by punter Jake Collins (37 net yards per punt) and returner Kylen Towner, who averaged an incredible 40 yards per return.
#5 – Auburn
Kicker Daniel Carlson is maybe the best in the country. Carlson has made 69/83 field goals in his career, with around a 75% rate from over 50 yards. The Tigers also return their top kick and punt returner from last season.
#6 – Texas A&M
#7 – Penn State
#8 – San Diego State
#9 – Tennessee
#10 – Florida State
#11 – Oklahoma
#12 – Air Force
#13 – New Mexico
#14 – BYU
#15 – Miami
#16 – Texas
#17 – Mississippi
#18 – Oregon
#19 – Alabama
#20 – Rutgers
#21 – Utah
#22 – Pittsburgh
#23 – Bowling Green
#24 – San Jose State
#25 – Clemson