Fall Camp Preview: Specialists
Will Johnson, 12th Man Productions
The third phase looks first rate this Fall in Aggieland. A&M is working with high quality specialists in 2023.
Nik Constantinou returns as the punter. He’s a veteran, and all-conference accolades have been there in his past. He’s a field flipper—which also qualifies him as a game changer. Constantinou has shown a knack for pinning opposing offenses inside their own 20-yard line, and even inside the 10 on several occasions. It may the most important aspect in the punt game, and Constantinou has nailed it time and time again.
The Aggies also welcome their placekicker back. Randy Bond stepped in to make 13-of-17 field goal attempts last season. Saying Bond ‘stepped in’ may be selling him short…he was once in the stands yelling for the Aggies, now he’s in the thick of it trying to help them win games. It’s been quite the E. King Gill-ish experience. But he’s stayed steady through it.
The first thing asked of a college kicker is to be money from inside 40 yards. He was exactly that, making good on all nine tries from 39 yards and in. From 40-plus he was 4 of 8, making half. That’s not bad at all, but the distance is where Bond is looking for a touch more accuracy.
“I thought I did a good job given the scenario,” says Bond. “But I want to improve on those numbers I had last year. That’s been my goal.”
So with security in the kicking game, focus then shifts to the return men to create some explosives.
Ainias Smith is off his injury and has definitely burst his way to the end zone in the third phase. He’s been excellent on punt returns. Fully healthy in 2021, Smith averaged 11.3 yards per punt return, ranking 11th nationally. He housed one that year versus South Carolina, from 95 yards.
Moose Muhammad III is also capable in the punt return game and handled the role a season ago in Smith’s absence.
On kickoff returns, Devon Achane moves on to the NFL—and there aren’t many anywhere as electric as the current Dolphin rookie. But there are candidates to be back deep for the Ags.
Le’Veon Moss is a possibility. So are some youngsters. Jimbo Fisher feels A&M has “guys that are very dynamic who can create some plays”.
There’s more to special teams though. There’s coverage and execution. Much more than kickers and returners, coverage has to be on point.
In mid-August Fisher felt good about where the Aggies were as a whole.
“I’m really pleased,” the head coach said. “Our snappers, we’ve been snapping the ball really well. Our operation times are really good. I’ve been really pleased with our specialists.”
There’s a lot to bring together when it comes to special teams.
And when it comes to the third phase at A&M, there’s a lot to like, too.
