Luke Johnson's News & Notes from Wednesday

[CajunRage]

IMO, I would not have McGuire returning kicks at all. To valuable in the run game behind Zo or split with Zo.

I like it. McGuire can change a game with a punt return. Should something happen, Alonzo can shoulder the load. We still have Pierce and Reed too. Field position will play a big part in whether we beat Ole Miss or Boise St. and a punt return could flip the field in our favor.

[CajunJack55]

I like it. McGuire can change a game with a punt return. Should something happen, Alonzo can shoulder the load. We still have Pierce and Reed too. Field position will play a big part in whether we beat Ole Miss or Boise St. and a punt return could flip the field in our favor.

I agree. Him being back there can be a game changer vs Boise and Ole Miss.

[Just1More]

IMO, I would not have McGuire returning kicks at all. To valuable in the run game behind Zo or split with Zo.

I've scratched myself about this too. But, being you have to have an experienced ball handler taking punts, it's a terrible shift in fortune to muff or fumble, and it is an outstanding opportunity to get fantastic field position, or even take it to the house... I'm stoked about Elijah returning punts (and Montrel returning KOs).

Many will kick it either high and shallow for coverage, or they may avoid Elijah altogether and angle toward the sidelines... where he doesn't even take a hit. Either way, he becomes a fantastic special teams weapon. I feel pretty good about Zo taking the pill and delivering some ground and pound... having Elijah installed for a variety of double back sets, slide to the slot, etc options. But again, you can seriously change games with special teams... and I like Elijah returning punts.

[Just1More]

I like it. McGuire can change a game with a punt return. Should something happen, Alonzo can shoulder the load. We still have Pierce and Reed too. Field position will play a big part in whether we beat Ole Miss or Boise St. and a punt return could flip the field in our favor.

Nailed it.

[CrappDaddy]

I like it. McGuire can change a game with a punt return. Should something happen, Alonzo can shoulder the load. We still have Pierce and Reed too. Field position will play a big part in whether we beat Ole Miss or Boise St. and a punt return could flip the field in our favor.

Disagree. There is no replacement for McG at running back. We lose him and our running game takes a huge hit.
He will be an exciting return man though!

[CrazyCajun]

I could be remembering wrong but wasn't Montreal Carter a stud returner in high school?

[CrappDaddy]

I could be remembering wrong but wasn't Montreal Carter a stud returner in high school?

Yep, was lights out fast. I assume he still is but he did have ACL surgery.

[Just1More]

Disagree. There is no replacement for McG at running back. We lose him and our running game takes a huge hit.
He will be an exciting return man though!

Zo is a lot better RB than some are thinking. He can both take and deliver a pounding... while stacking up yards. Elijah is special, no doubt, but Zo AND Elijah are great great RBs. We need a special player returning punts. It is a VERY important role. I see more RBs coming out due to injury than punt returners. Many punt returners are wiry WRs (often the best on the top teams) and they make it all the way through the season at both positions. Elijah has some mass to go with the elusive moves and quickness. There's no more reason to worry about him returning punts than blocking for TB. It all has to get done.

[Ragin4U]

The reason you see more RBs getting injured may be because they carry the ball more than punt returners.
Someone enlighten me about what would make a player better at KO returns than punt returns. Would speed be more preferable at KO since you get a running start and elusiveness better for punts because the cover team is closer?
Montrell was extremely fast and elusive before the ACL. Hopefully he has that burst back. The more weapons the better!

[DocCajun]

IMO, I would not have McGuire returning kicks at all. To valuable in the run game behind Zo or split with Zo.

I agree but we all know how much emphasis HUD puts on special teams. I guess in his mind the potential gain in special teams is worth the risk

[Just1More]

The reason you see more RBs getting injured may be because they carry the ball more than punt returners.
Someone enlighten me about what would make a player better at KO returns than punt returns. Would speed be more preferable at KO since you get a running start and elusiveness better for punts because the cover team is closer?
Montrell was extremely fast and elusive before the ACL. Hopefully he has that burst back. The more weapons the better!

First sentence: That's correct. Doesn't change the context of the discussion. As for punts versus kickoffs - a punt return specialist has more decisions and less time to decide/react than a kick off return specialist, normally. Punt returners have to be more sure-handed. A lot of KO returners are picked for blazing speed in a straight line. A punt returner often is a hands guy that is asked to first secure the ball, then work to gain yardage. They can be the same guy, but you really place a lot of trust in a punt returner to use his head, and most certain of all, do not risk mishandling the ball. You see pure sprinters as KO returners. They may never be asked to catch a ball otherwise. Punt returners are almost always one of the top sure handed "ball catchers" on the team. If they're not, the staff isn't very bright.

[Just1More]

I agree but we all know how much emphasis HUD puts on special teams. I guess in his mind the potential gain in special teams is worth the risk

And exactly who would he put back there to "take the injury risk" while still trying to win football games? I may not want to charge the hill with my best Marine... for fear of losing him... but if I want the hill... I send him. Great returns are game-changers.

I'm not knocking the question of risk versus reward. I just fall on the side of putting a couple of your absolute best athletes, with good hands, as returners. If we didn't have Zo as RB, we'd have to use someone other than Elijah.