Murray State University Athletics
Players Mentioned
2020 Spring Football Preview - Special Teams
2/4/2021 2:59:00 PM | Football
Mix of veterans and newcomers look to provide punch to important third unit
Racer football returns to Roy Stewart Stadium this spring for the 2021 season. In the lead-up to the season, GoRacers.com will feature each of the three units and talk to the position coaches and coordinators to get their thoughts positions groups on the upcoming season. This week GoRacers.com looks at the Racers' special teams and talk to coordinator Chris Cunningham about what fans can expect from MSU's all-important third unit.
ÂThe Returners:
Chandler Moody returns as the long snapper this season after serving as the primary long snapper in the 2019 season. Wide receiver and return specialist Malik Honeycutt will be back after being named to the 2020 preseason All-OVC team after missing the previous season due to injury. Zaden Webber returns as kicker after going 24-24 on extra points in the 2019 season. Webber made the third-longest field goal in MSU history of 52 yards at Jacksonville State.Â
Special Teams Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach Chris CunninghamÂ
GR: What should we expect the different units to look like this year?Â
CC: Each unit will have their own unique identity but every unit will have the collective mindset to take advantage of every opportunity. Every unit will also be disciplined and give great effort while also having fun.
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GR: Who are some players our fans should be looking out for and what should we expect from them?
CC: Our fans should expect a number of familiar faces in addition to some new faces to be impact players for us in the special teams phase. Some familiar faces to be on the lookout for are: LaMartez Brooks, Quinaz Turner and DeQuan Dallas. We expect these young men to be pivotal in the return game while also flying down on coverage units.
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GR: After a fall without football, what will be some areas of focus for you guys over the next four weeks leading up to the first game of the season?
CC: Our biggest area of focus will be making sure that every member of our program understands their role and the roles of others. By doing this we will give ourselves flexibility and the ability to be successful within all of our units. We will also focus on enhancing our football IQ in all phases of the game.
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GR: Were there any notable roster changes this off season?
CC: There are a few changes to our roster, which is to be expected when a new staff takes over a program. We believe the young men we have are invested in our culture and in turn will allow us to be successful on the field and off.
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