AUGUST OUTLOOK
When it comes to those who boot it, the Aggies are a step ahead. But, they'll need to find footing in the return game after the loss of Christian Kirk. Expecting someone to match him is a reach, but A&M can't be void of a return presence. As the season draws closer, they'll look for those who can step up.
FOCUSED ON A FINALE
Senior placekicker Daniel LaCamera is spectacular, and will be in the spotlight again in 2018. He's made 35 of his 45 career field goal attempts. His highlight came when he went back to his home state last season and kicked the Florida Gators in The Swamp, a stadium he grew up attending with his family. He's the son of two UF graduates. LaCamera nailed four field goals that October night. The final one coming with under a minute left in a 19-17 win. He was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts.
It's not the only SEC road game he carried the Aggies with his foot. As a sophomore, he nailed five field goals at Jordan-Hare Stadium to beat Auburn, 29-16. LaCamera seems to be at his best when it matters most. He was good on 12 of his 13 attempts in SEC play in 2017. For the overall season, he went 18-of-21. The three misses were from 52, 51 and 45. A high percentage is asked of any kicker from 40 yards and in. LaCamera was perfect from that range.
In this conference, not all solid drives can result in touchdowns. A reliable placekicker is paramount. LaCamera gives the Aggies just that. Postseason awards are not out of the question if he puts in another consistent campaign, his final one in the Maroon & White.
MANN-ING UP
Sophomore Braden Mann can put forth some monster efforts with his right leg. Having kicked off the last two seasons, he'll now raise his game to add punting to his duties. "I'm super excited. I've been waiting for the opportunity," stated Mann this August on his chance to punt.
It's not inaccurate to say Mann is pulling triple duty in 2018, he'll also serve as LaCamera's holder on field goal and PAT tries. He steps into the punter role for the graduated Shane Tripucka. Mann will need to match his predecessor's ability to pin opponents deep. Tripucka had a knack for it. Mann clearly possesses a powerful leg, but he'll need to combine the kind of placement that makes offenses work with long fields.
RELIGHTING THE FIRE
It's a blatant understatement to say the departed Christian Kirk was explosive. With every touch on special teams he could torch the opposition, changing a contest on a dime. Now only the smoldering embers of the searing path he created remain. So does the question of who reignites the Aggies in the return game.
Sophomore Roshauud Paul is the only player on the current roster who returned a punt in 2017 – with one. When it comes to kick returns, Trayveon Williams has 11 for his career, while Klyde Chriss had four a year ago.
Although the sample size was small in 2017, Williams and Chriss both had excellent averages. Williams went for 30.5 yards per kick return, Chriss for 28.2.
Williams can certainly go the distance on any touch. But, with him getting a lot of those as a running back, it'll likely prohibit him from carrying the special teams load.
A&M can't expect what they got with Kirk year in and year out, but they'll need something. Mann can flip fields as a punter and kick off specialist. Whether or not someone steps up as returner will dictate if the Aggies can from the other end.
When it comes to those who boot it, the Aggies are a step ahead. But, they'll need to find footing in the return game after the loss of Christian Kirk. Expecting someone to match him is a reach, but A&M can't be void of a return presence. As the season draws closer, they'll look for those who can step up.
FOCUSED ON A FINALE
Senior placekicker Daniel LaCamera is spectacular, and will be in the spotlight again in 2018. He's made 35 of his 45 career field goal attempts. His highlight came when he went back to his home state last season and kicked the Florida Gators in The Swamp, a stadium he grew up attending with his family. He's the son of two UF graduates. LaCamera nailed four field goals that October night. The final one coming with under a minute left in a 19-17 win. He was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts.
It's not the only SEC road game he carried the Aggies with his foot. As a sophomore, he nailed five field goals at Jordan-Hare Stadium to beat Auburn, 29-16. LaCamera seems to be at his best when it matters most. He was good on 12 of his 13 attempts in SEC play in 2017. For the overall season, he went 18-of-21. The three misses were from 52, 51 and 45. A high percentage is asked of any kicker from 40 yards and in. LaCamera was perfect from that range.
In this conference, not all solid drives can result in touchdowns. A reliable placekicker is paramount. LaCamera gives the Aggies just that. Postseason awards are not out of the question if he puts in another consistent campaign, his final one in the Maroon & White.
MANN-ING UP
Sophomore Braden Mann can put forth some monster efforts with his right leg. Having kicked off the last two seasons, he'll now raise his game to add punting to his duties. "I'm super excited. I've been waiting for the opportunity," stated Mann this August on his chance to punt.
It's not inaccurate to say Mann is pulling triple duty in 2018, he'll also serve as LaCamera's holder on field goal and PAT tries. He steps into the punter role for the graduated Shane Tripucka. Mann will need to match his predecessor's ability to pin opponents deep. Tripucka had a knack for it. Mann clearly possesses a powerful leg, but he'll need to combine the kind of placement that makes offenses work with long fields.
RELIGHTING THE FIRE
It's a blatant understatement to say the departed Christian Kirk was explosive. With every touch on special teams he could torch the opposition, changing a contest on a dime. Now only the smoldering embers of the searing path he created remain. So does the question of who reignites the Aggies in the return game.
Sophomore Roshauud Paul is the only player on the current roster who returned a punt in 2017 – with one. When it comes to kick returns, Trayveon Williams has 11 for his career, while Klyde Chriss had four a year ago.
Although the sample size was small in 2017, Williams and Chriss both had excellent averages. Williams went for 30.5 yards per kick return, Chriss for 28.2.
Williams can certainly go the distance on any touch. But, with him getting a lot of those as a running back, it'll likely prohibit him from carrying the special teams load.
A&M can't expect what they got with Kirk year in and year out, but they'll need something. Mann can flip fields as a punter and kick off specialist. Whether or not someone steps up as returner will dictate if the Aggies can from the other end.