According to Chap coach Darren Allman, it’s no secret what separates good special teams from mediocre ones.

“They work at it every day, and it’s not something they just throw in at the end of practice,” he said. “It has to be a priority for a team, and players must know what kind of impact special teams can have.”

Allman plans on making special teams, well, special by utilizing many of his starters on both coverage and return teams.

“We’re not going to hide anybody,” he said.

Louie Swope could be in the spotlight as he seeks to replace his older brother, Ryan, as an elite return man. Ryan Swope returned three kickoffs for touchdowns a year ago, and Louie flashed similar ability during the spring game when he ripped off a 92-yard return for a score.

Van Gramman will also return kickoffs, while Sean Potter and Brice Dolezal will return punts.

Cody Rademacher returns for his senior season as one of the more accomplished kickers in Central Texas. A year ago, he made two of four field goals and 33 of 34 extra-point attempts. His range extends beyond the red zone, as evident by a 52-yarder he booted during the Chaps’ intrasquad scrimmage last week. Rademacher also averaged 33.3 yards on 26 punts in 2008.

 

 

Dillon Short and Riley Saxe have also worked at kicker and punter during the summer.