With the beginning of spring football practice just a day away, ODUSports.com will preview each position before the first day of practice. Today we take a look at special teams.
Special Teams
Old Dominion returns three kickers and Conference USA All-Freshman team punter Jarrett Cervi, but loses four-year long snapper Rick Lovato to graduation. Satchel Ziffer kicked a pair of game-winners in 2014 while Ricky Segers kicked ODU to a win over Rice.
The Returners
Segers started the year responsible for all kicking duties. He was 26-of-27 on extra points and 2-of-3 on field goals, including the game-winner in the C-USA opener at Rice. He recorded 10 touchbacks on 34 kickoffs. Segers suffered a season-ending knee injury at UTEP and Cervi filled in, going 12-of-13 on extra points and 1-for-2 on field goals, with a 41-yarder at Western Kentucky. Ziffer took over kicking duties during the WKU game, finishing the year 12-of-12 on extra points and 3-of-5 on field goals, including game-winners against FIU and at FAU. Cervi returns at punter where he averaged 40.5 yards per punt and a long of 54. Junior Joe Pulisic returns as holder after handling the position flawlessly the previous two seasons.
The Newcomers
ODU will need to find a long snapper after the loss of the former All-American Lovato. Redshirt freshman Adam Vaught will look to take over long snapping duties.
With the departure of Cam Boyd and Antonio Vaughan, ODU will look for new kick and punt returners. Isaiah Harper and Nick England will get the first crack at kick returner while Zach Pascal and Harper will compete for time returning punts.
By The Numbers
4: Game-ending field goals in program history, including three last season.
2: Punt return touchdowns by Antonio Vaughan, a school record.
47.2 – Taylor Heinicke’s average per punt in 2014, an ODU single-season record.