2009 CFN Preview - Unit Rankings ... STs

CFN 2009 Preview Unit Rankings - Special Teams Ranked 1 to 120

Preview 2009 ... Unit Rankings

Special Teams

- CFN Preview 2009
- CFN's Top 200 Players of 2009

CFN 2009 Unit Rankings
- Offenses | Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Receivers | Offensive Lines
- Defenses | Defensive Lines | Linebackers | Secondaries  | Special Teams

1. TCU
 
There was supposed to be a drop-off after needing to replace several great players, but the special teams turned out to be better. TCU has always had terrific special teams under Gary Patterson, and this year won’t be any different. Ross Evans is a fantastic placekicker while Jeremy Kerley is a special punt returner.

2. Florida
 
Jonathan Phillips nailed 12-of-13 field goals, Chas Henry averaged 43.4 yards per punt, Brandon James averaged 13.8 yards per punt return and 23.1 yards per kickoff return, and the punt coverage team allowed 5.6 yards per try. Everyone's back, meaning it'll be a stunner if the Gators don't have the SEC's best special teams.

3. Miami
 
Thanks in large part to the leg of Matt Bosher, Miami has the best special teams in the ACC. If returner Travis Benjamin begins to fulfill all of his potential, the ‘Canes will have a huge advantage and should win at least two games by being special on special teams.

4. Arizona State
 
With PK Thomas Weber and PR Kyle Williams as the foundation, Arizona State will continue to have one of the Pac-10’s more complete special teams units. The primary objectives of special teams coach Jamie Christian will be to solidify the situation at punter and settle on the right man to be the kickoff returner.

5. Boise State
 
The special teams could be the best in America. PK/P Kyle Brotzman is a weapon who'll be a difference maker in at least one tight game, if Boise State plays any close ones, while Jeremy Avery and Kyle Wilson are terrific returners.

6. New Mexico
 
The return game was the best in the Mountain West while the coverage teams were terrific. PK James Aho was a find, and while he can't be expected to be amazing two years in a row, he'll be solid. All that's missing is more pop to a punting game that netted just 33 yards a shot. Basically, it's up to special teams coach Toby Neinas to not rock the boat.

7. Texas
 
Somewhat quietly, Texas has been among the best in the nation in special teams over the last few seasons. Everything works, and with most of the key components back, it'll be a shock if this isn't one of the team's strengths. The kicking game is solid, the coverage teams are great, and the return game is more than just serviceable.

8. UCLA
 
With PK Kai Forbath and returner Terrence Austin leading the way, UCLA will once again have among the Pac-10’s best special teams units. P Jeff Locke has a high ceiling, which should include all-star recognition before getting too deep into his career.

9. Fresno State
 
If the coverage teams can be just a little bit better, the special teams will be among the best in the WAC. Everyone is back after a breakthrough year, and there's no reason to think there will be a step back. A.J. Jefferson is one of the nation's best kickoff returners, while punter Robert Malone has a huge leg.

10. Troy
 
The Sun Belt's best special teams of 2007 were starting from scratch last year, and they became the league's best in 2008 leading the conference in punting, kickoff returns, and yards allowed. They were also third in punt returns. Everyone is back, so expect more of the same. Troy will win at least two games because it'll be better, far better, than almost everyone on its schedule.
 

11	Oklahoma State
12	Penn State
13	Alabama
14	Iowa
15	Arizona
16	Auburn
17	Wisconsin
18	Cincinnati
19	Maryland
20	Iowa State
21	Central Michigan
22	USC
23	Ohio State
24	LSU
25	Georgia
26	California
27	Ole Miss
28	Virginia Tech
29	Florida State
30	Pitt
31	Oregon State
32	North Carolina
33	NC State
34	Rutgers
35	Baylor
36	Kansas State
37	Oklahoma
38	Oregon
39	Notre Dame
40	Clemson
41	South Florida
42	Michigan State
43	Tennessee
44	BYU
45	Michigan
46	Connecticut
47	East Carolina
48	Kentucky
49	Stanford
50	Purdue
51	Duke
52	Texas A&M
53	Air Force
54	Arkansas State
55	Indiana
56	Buffalo
57	Utah State
58	Idaho
59	Missouri
60	Kansas
61	Nebraska
62	South Carolina
63	Arkansas
64	Wake Forest
65	Minnesota
66	UNLV
67	San Jose State
68	Louisiana Tech
69	Navy
70	Western Michigan
71	Ohio
72	Miami Univ.
73	Akron
74	San Diego State
75	Temple
76	Western Kentucky
77	West Virginia
78	Georgia Tech
79	Colorado
80	Utah
81	Virginia
82	Northwestern
83	Vanderbilt
84	Mississippi State
85	Houston
86	Wyoming
87	Northern Illinois
88	Syracuse
89	Ball State
90	Bowling Green
91	Eastern Michigan
92	FIU
93	UL Lafayette
94	Army
95	New Mexico State
96	Illinois
97	Colorado State
98	Washington State
99	Toledo
100	Marshall
101	Middle Tennessee
102	Texas Tech
103	Boston College
104	Washington
105	Louisville
106	Tulsa
107	UCF
108	Tulane
109	SMU
110	Memphis
111	Kent State
112	Florida Atlantic
113	UTEP
114	Rice
115	UL Monroe
116	UAB
117	Nevada
118	Hawaii
119	North Texas
120	Southern Miss

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