The punt returner spot is open at Virginia Tech after All-American level return man Tayvion Robinson transferred to Kentucky. Meanwhile, the kick returner spot does see the return of Keshawn King but has been a position with multiple people working there in recent years.
So what does special teams coordinator Stu Holt see at each of those spots? He stated at VT Media Day his thoughts on
"I like Keshawn (King) and Chance (Black) in the kick return game. I think they have a real chance, no pun intended, I like both those guys back there. Holston's worked back there some as more of an off returner. We were able to add Cole Beck to the roster, really excited about what he'll be able to do possibly in that role," Holt said.
King and Black shouldn't be surprises as those were the two to receive kickoffs during the Spring Game while both have plenty of experience returning kicks especially King. King appears to be the favorite given the quality experience that he has averaging 25.2 yards per kick return so far in his career.
Cole Beck always felt like someone who could definitely fit the kick return game given the speed that he brings and how kickoffs gives him plenty of time to kick into his highest gear which no one else can match.
So what does Stu Holt look for in a kick returner?
"Kickoff return guy, the kickoffs are easier to handle (than punt returns) because there's more cushion, there's more space between you and the defense. I think there's less pressure there for sure, but certainly you want a guy who has good vision, who's going to hit it at full speed, who's going to understand the pattern of return, and I love a guy back there who has an ability to break tackles because it's just like offense, we're not going to block them so the guy got to make some plays," Holt said.
As you can see, all of those involved on the kick return side are running backs and many of the skill sets fit as well. That doesn't come as a surprise given the similarities that Stu Holt sees between what makes a successful running back and what makes a successful kick returner.
"I've always liked running backs back there for that reason particularly because a lot of the patterns in the kick return game are similar to what you run on offense. Several kick returns start with a double team which a power play starts with a double team and it's a lot of down, down, kick out which is very similar to what you run on offense. And then the ability to break tackles. Most of the time, the running back room, those guys are more familiar with that skill so I like running backs back there," Holt said.
Of course, Holt did say that he is open to anyone who does the job well even if it's a "defensive end" but the trend of running backs being the best fit from what he's seen remains the case and fit the template of what he looks for in the skill set of a kick returner.
Meanwhile, Tech has a big gap to fill at punt returner after the departure of Tayvion Robinson to Kentucky with a pair of second year players emerging as the top 2 at that spot.
"In the punt return game, DJ Harvey's had a really nice camp. (Da'Wain) Lofton has done extremely well. We've had several guys back there fielding punts. We've got a list of probably 5 or 6 guys we want to make sure get plenty of opportunity. If I had to pick a top 2 at punt return right now, it would be DJ and Lofton," Holt said.
This remains in line with what we saw in the Spring Game with DJ Harvey getting the first chances to receive punts while Da'Wain Lofton also caught a few himself.
So what are the skills that Holt looks for in a punt returner?
"As a punt returner, it takes a lot of courage, it takes a lot of poise. You got to establish the mindset that you are in charge. I don't know how many other plays in football where one guy on that play is in charge of the other 21 guys and everything that happens on the field. So you got to find a guy that has some poise, can make a good decision, can execute that decision, and doesn't get rattled, and can make a play when you need it," Holt said.
Tech's return battles are heating up with familiar faces set to return kicks led by Keshawn King while young standouts like DJ Harvey push to take over on punt return.
