Top candidates for punt/kickoff returners?

bharsa

BamaNation Citizen
Jul 21, 2009
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Haven't posted on here in awhile, I am more of a guy that likes to read through the posts; but haven't seen a post about possible returners. I know most people think Christion Jones has at least one of the jobs locked up, and I would agree but for the other one who are yall thinking? I've heard things about Deion Belue being a possible option too.

One person I haven't heard much about being a possible returner is Bradley Sylve...


Sylve has been someone I have been excited to see return the ball. In the video it doesnt look like a great return at first but as you watch the replay and see his quick step, you can see the kind of threat he can be.

I may recieve some flack for this but Marquis Maze was a good returner, but not great... I believe Christion Jones or Bradley Sylve have the possibility to be another "Javi-esque" returner, I won't go as far as to say another Javi just yet...;)

let me know what yall think
 
well 1 thing is for certain. Coach ONLY plays guys who know how to field and have the awareness to return. Which means the fastest guy is not always going to get the job. Christian Jones IMO will handle punts and kickoff returns. Our 2nd return guy will probably start with either Belue or Milliner IMO. If Hart shows the ability to field, i would expect him to get some chances to impress.
 
The way Christion Jones played in the championship game, he should get a shot. When he went in for Maze, I was very apprehensive about a freshman in that position. As we know, he handled it flawlessly. Sylve has amazing speed and could possibly get a shot. I'm not at all concerned about that position this fall. RTR.
 
But does Sylve have football speed?

Not sure, I guess the only opportunities hes had to prove himself were in closed practice, I would imagine he does, he won state 100 and 200m sprint. Although i know that doesn't always translate to the football field.

Here's a good article on him, its probably the same one that got me so pumped to see him return for us back in 2010 ha...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...dley-sylve-you-dont-know-him-now-but-you-will
 
I'm more concerned about kick coverage and developing a guy who could actually kick touchbacks.

But I agree. I see it being Jones/Milliner/Sylve/Hart.
 
I'd say Christion Jones is most likely the favorite, but it's exciting to have several kickoff/punt returners with so much potential like Sylve, Belue, etc. Cyrus Jones or Collins could potentially play as freshmen as well. But what Jones did against LSU is really one of the clutch performances I've ever seen. To come in as a true freshman as a backup in the big game and be perfect fielding kicks just can't be overstated. We may have dominated defensively but it was a 2 possession game until 4 minutes to go. If Jones has muffed just one of those kicks, it could easily have been a 1 possession game and it could have been a real nail biter.
 
I'm more concerned about kick coverage and developing a guy who could actually kick touchbacks.

I know we heard the same hype about Cade Foster, but from what I've heard Adam Griffith is the real deal. Plus with the rule change; with an extra 5 yards on kickoff i think Griffith should have no trouble putting it in the endzone.
 
Sylve didn't appear to be in the running during the Spring . Kick returns were primarily handled by Jones , Milliner , Hart and Black with Cooper also getting a look . Jones , Belue and Hart saw most of the action fielding punts .
 
I know we heard the same hype about Cade Foster, but from what I've heard Adam Griffith is the real deal. Plus with the rule change; with an extra 5 yards on kickoff i think Griffith should have no trouble putting it in the endzone.

I hope so. Our defense last year handled all the field position gaffes but this season we may need a little help, especially early in the year.
 
But does Sylve have football speed?


good question, he looked plenty fast in the all-star game when returned one to the house. i too was very impressed with jones in the NC game, very cool cat under tremendous pressure. jones on punts, belue on kickoffs, let's put that speed to work.
 
Who is wearing #2 this year ?

Tana Patrick :) Well him and Deandre White.

Of all our players, I think Dee Hart was probably the best in HS at returning kicks or punts and even stated that he believed it to be one of his strong points. He had the potential to take over the position at any SEC school with a vacancy last year before the injury and I am sure he was penciled in as the heir apparent to Maze. He was Rivals #1 all purpose back. I hope he gets a good look, but I am still not sure how he's healed.

Quick, good hands and can make the first person miss, that is what Maze and Javy did. I predict Chistian Jones as well. He has good hands and is built like a returner.....lets see if he can take it to the house.
 
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