When it comes to kickoffs, length matters.
Junior kicker Drew Alleman and junior punter DJ Howard have split kickoff duties to this point, each with 11 kickoffs to their name. Neither kicker has forced a touchback this season, and Alleman has averaged 57 yards per kickoff, while Howard has averaged 61 yards.
Alleman said the kickers haven’t lived up to their own expectations.
“Our goal is to try and get them down inside the 20 [yard line],” Alleman said. “Right now we’re not happy with the kicks. I’m not happy with the kicks team.”
Alleman’s injury opened the door for Howard, who competed with him in practice Monday to determine who will kick off against West Virginia on Saturday. Freshman kicker James Hairston has also received looks in practice for kickoff duties.
“He is getting a look, and he’s getting a look repeatedly,” Miles said. “He’s another guy that has a big strong leg and can occasionally knock it out the back of the end zone, and we’d like to see that happen. So we’re looking at some competition