BYU football: Scouting the Utah Utes
By Adam Gibby
Utah Special Teams
Returning Starters: 2
Key returners: P Mitch Wishnowsky, Returner Boobie Hobbs
Key losses: PK Andy Phillips
What to expect in 2017: Mitch Wishnowsky is probably the best punter in the country. He averaged 47.7 yards per punt, 24 punts inside the twenty, only two touchbacks and punts of 66, 65 and 60 yards. Only expect those numbers to improve. The field goal kicker is still in question between freshmen Chayden Johnston and Hayes Hicken. The top returning returner is Boobie Hobbs. Hobbs did have a touchdown return, however was not consistently a great returner.
How BYU can be successful: Be aggressive or cover the return on punts. If the Cougars can set up a good return team, then the 55 yard+ yard punts could set up for nice punt returns. If the Cougars go for a block, then they should go all out. Having a three man rush won’t help get good returns or likely get a blocked kick. On field goals, BYU football should put pressure on whoever the new kicker is and hopefully cause some missed kicks.
Projection: The Cougars will have two good special teams plays. With such long punts, the returners should get a few good looks at long returns.