Fresno State Athletics
Countdown to Kickoff: 2 Days
8/30/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 30, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - One has to wonder what special teams guru John Baxter has up his sleeve in 2008.
The long-time Fresno State Associate Head Coach who coaches special teams must replace four key members in kicker Clint Stitser, punter Kyle Zimmerman, long snapper Greg Titoriga and NCAA record-setting return specialist Clifton Smith.
Despite those losses, he has two players on his team who have returned kickoffs for touchdowns and four on the team have blocked kicks. Speaking of kick blocking, in the last 11 years no team in the country has blocked more kicks than the Bulldogs. Fresno State owns 73 blocks during that time.
"We have some of good speed in our return game," said Baxter. "When you have fast guys, that's half the battle."
The Bulldogs also return the NCAA leader in kickoff returns in junior A.J. Jefferson. After averaging nearly 36 yards per return last season, he's already on several preseason All-America lists. Jefferson will do double duty as a starting cornerback for the Dogs.
Baxter has a great knack for developing kickers, punters and long snappers, so there seems to be little concern in the Bulldog camp about those three spots. Redshirt freshman Kevin Goessling won the kicking job coming out of the spring and showed excellent range and accuracy on his field goals in fall camp. Fall walkon Andrew Shapiro has a strong leg and the talent to step in if needed.
Sophomore Robert Malone, who also serves as the team's holder on PAT's and field goals, will handle the punt chores. He was Fresno State's starter entering the 2006 season before suffering a season-ending injury in the second game. He has a very strong leg.
Bobby Shepard emerged as the long snapper.
Teams won't be able to kick away from Jefferson because Fresno State has plenty of weapons. In addition to Jefferson, the Dogs have some weapons in the return game, including 2006 kick return man Chastin West, who had a 90-yard touchdown against Boise State. Look for Marlon Moore and Devon Wylie, both experienced and explosive, to be back on kickoff or punt returns.
"We are very fortunate to have John Baxter, who I think is the best special teams coach in the country," said head coach Pat Hill. "He's a great teacher and tactician. He will have all of our special teams units ready to go. One thing that gets overlooked in our special teams is how much effort we place on them. Our first string players are fighting to get on special teams. We want the best 11 players on the field for every play and that includes special teams. Our guys take great pride in being on special teams."
Coming Sunday: A look at the Rutgers game.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The first Big Ten team will travel to the Valley on September 13 as the No. 25 `Dogs take on Wisconsin in the home opener at 7:30 p.m. The game can be seen nationally on ESPN2. All tickets are on sale now. Get your official Wisconsin game day t-shirt at the Bulldog Shop for only $10 with any purchase. To purchase tickets, click on the tickets icon at the top of this page, call the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
