The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1137844
88 ■ THE WOLFPACKER SPECIAL TEAMS BY MATT CARTER A year ago, NC State knew that two-thirds of its specialists were really good. Punter A.J. Cole and long snapper Tyler Griffiths were seniors and among the best at their positions. The big ques- tion was, could NC State's three-year struggles with kicking field goals come to an end? Kicker Christopher Dunn was the instant success the Pack needed. In his rookie campaign, he made a school-record 23 field goals with a long of 49 yards and only missed on three attempts (one was blocked). The now sophomore was also a perfect 51 of 51 on extra points, giving him a school record for a single season with 120 total points. Dunn, who showed improved range in the spring when he made a 53-yarder, was named second-team All-ACC. "He has good attention to detail in his work every day," said first-year tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel, who in 2015 oversaw Marshall's special teams that ranked No. 1 in the country in ESPN's Special Teams Efficiency ratings. "Each kick, whether it is a practice kick or a game kick, it's all the same. "He shows consistency in crucial situations — he's done it a million times in his mind. That is why he is so good." One area that Dunn may have to add to his responsibilities this season is kickoffs. Kyle Bambard handled that duty last fall during his senior year. Replacing Cole will not be easy. He averaged 42.4 yards per punt last season, and his career average of 42.2 ranks third in school history. He is now trying to make the roster of the Oakland Raiders. The two punters vying to replace Cole are redshirt sophomores Mackenzie Morgan and Trenton Gill. Morgan is a scholarship punter from Perth, Australia, while Gill is a walk-on from Hillsborough, N.C. Yet Gill has far more experience kicking a football. Morgan's first time walking through the tunnel of an NC State game was also his first time stepping on the field in an American football game. Morgan, though, has quickly impressed both his teammates and coaches. "The entire specialists group is really good to work with," Goebbel noted. "Their work ethic is unmatched, along with their togetherness and the way they root each other on and hope for success in a competi- tive environment. "It's competitive at each position. You want that. They all have made each other better." NC State recruited a long snapper to replace Griffiths, but it involved some unexpected drama. The Pack originally gained a commitment from Drew Little from North Stanly High in New London, N.C., but the life-long UNC fan flipped when the Tar Heels offered. NC State may have ended up in a better situation, signing Joe Shimko from Wall (N.J.) Township High, who was selected over Little and other long snappers across the country for the All-American Bowl in San Antonio. A Blend Of Old And New Newcomers Are Expected To Solidify The Wolfpack's Special Teams Sophomore Christopher Dunn was second-team All-ACC last year, the first placekicker for the Pack to earn an all-conference mention since Marc Primanti was a first-team pick in 1996. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN ■ By The Numbers 6 Special teams tackles last year by junior linebacker Louis Acceus, the most among returning players. 26 Field goals made in the prior three seasons combined before Christopher Dunn made 23 last year in his rookie campaign. 9,288 Career punting yards in A.J. Cole's four-year career at NC State, second most in school history. ■ PRESEASON ANALYSIS ★★★★ Among country's best; ★★★ Among ACC's best; ★★ Solid or has potential; ★ Too unproven Starters ★★★½ There is no denying sophomore placekicker Christopher Dunn's potential. He established himself as an all-conference contender for years to come with a sensational freshman season. NC State also has a good punter returner in redshirt sophomore Thayer Thomas. The questions, though, are with the competition at punter to replace A.J. Cole and a new- comer in freshman Joe Shimko likely taking over the long snapping duties. Experience ★★★½ Dunn is a seasoned veteran at this point, and Thomas is fully experienced returning punts. The other principal aspects of the special teams will be broken in for the first time. Depth ★★★ NC State has a couple of good options at punter in redshirt sophomores Mackenzie Mor- gan and Trenton Gill, who has also proved he can help with kicking in a pinch if needed. He made a 45-yard field goal in the spring game. Special teams coordinator Todd Goebbel also likes his roster of potential kick returners. Overall grade ★★★½ Presuming Dunn and Thomas build off each of their respective rookie seasons, NC State has a very good starting point. The question is how quickly the newcomers get caught up to speed.