ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines special teams coordinator J.B. Brown addressed several topics about the team’s special teams performance ahead of their matchup vs. the Washington Huskies.
Early in the season, there were concerns about Semaj Morgan having issues fielding punts.
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Brown said, “We’ve been working on correcting it the whole season. He’s done a much better job as the season has progressed. I think we’ve put him in a better spot in alignment purposes pre-snap.”
He noted that some punts have been short or long due to punter variability, but Morgan has helped save field position.
“He’s got to continue to work on tracking it, but he’s done a good job,” Brown said.
Regarding the coverage unit, Brown said it has improved this year compared to last.
However, the return game has lacked explosive plays partly because many kickoffs result in touchbacks.
“When we get our opportunity, we just need to take advantage of it,” Brown said.
Brown discussed punter Hudson Hollenbeck, who is transitioning from backup to starter.
“Thirteen out of his 22 punts this year have been where we want them to be. He’s starting to get accustomed to the starting role, and you’re going to see some consistency these next six games,” Brown said.
Michigan has backup punter Beckham Sunderland and newcomer Hunter Robertson, who is also in the mix after a late recruiting addition.
Sunderland, a former professional athlete, brings a different mindset and work ethic to the room, which Brown values.
Dominic Zvada
On kicker Dominic Zvada, Brown expressed full confidence despite occasional missed kicks.
“He’s the most accurate kicker in Michigan history at this point in his career. He also works with a sports psychologist and is in good spirits,” Brown said.
Kickoff strategy
Brown explained that kickoff strategy depends on the opponent’s returners and game flow.
Sometimes kicking for touchbacks is preferred, other times letting coverage play is better to pin opponents deep.
Brown acknowledged a recent low snap on a punt was a team issue and emphasized the challenge of consistency, given the weather and other factors.
The Wolverines aim to be aggressive in both the return and pressure games and want to create more explosive plays as the season progresses.
Punt block
Brown praised Troy Bowles as a key leader and contributor on all special teams units.
He also wished Joe Taylor had unlimited eligibility, calling him one of the best gunners in the country and a team captain.
Fundamentals
Overall, Brown said the players are working hard and striving to improve fundamentals, secure the football, and create good field position.
Brown expects the biggest strides to come in the punt game, coverage, and creating more explosive returns.
He described Hollenbeck’s transition to starting punter as involving routine changes, increased focus, and a learning curve.
When studying special teams strategies, Brown looks at both college and NFL teams, and even high school coaches, to learn from the best.