The Florida Gators are in desperate need of a kick and punt returner – so much so, that it may be one of their biggest question marks heading into the summer.

Under Jim McElwain and special teams coordinator Greg Nord, the Gators have struggled in the punt and kick return game. They have only returned one kick for a touchdown in the past two seasons, after having seven in the previous six seasons, and besides two touchdowns by Antonio Callaway on punt return in 2015, the Gators have little reason to be proud of the return game.

The Gators ranked 39th in kick return, lead mostly by graduated wide receiver Chris Thompson who averaged 21.77 yards per return on 13 returns, with Antonio Callaway showing the one breakout play of the year on special teams with a touchdown against Missouri. According to the folks at SBNation, the Gators ranked 49th in the country in kick-off return success.

Not bad, but could be improved.

But the punt return struggled mightily, and worse than the stats show. Antonio Callaway had 26 punt returns for just a paltry 8.38 yards per return, nearly seven yards lower per punt return than in 2015. He ranked 50th in the country in punt return efficiency, had four fumbles (losing one), and had a number of very questionable catches – including at least five fair catches within the seven yard line, one fumble on the two yard line, and one fair catch on the one yard line.

I am not one to only blame a lack of return yards on the kick or punt returner on the player, because blockers have to do their job and a kick has to be returnable. However, changes may need to be made, so let’s look at the top-four candidates:

Antonio Callaway – Antonio Callaway is the Gators most experienced returner, but also the Gators biggest playmaker on offense. He is fast, shifty, and such an important part of the offense that he may be indispensible and the risk of injury may be too high. He has shown some questionable decision-making in the return game at times and had a large drop-off in production in 2016. Likely still the favorite at punt returner, but may be on thin ice.

Dre Massey – The electric redshirt junior that had high expectations in 2016 before being injured is being eyed as the likely kick returner and potential punt returner. Massey is fast, elusive, and showed that he had the vision on his only kick return in 2016 when he went 21 yards coupled with his strong Orange and Blue Debut in 2016. Massey was expected to take over kick return duties before being injured and I expect that he will take over those responsibilities in 2017.

Brandon Powell – Powell was the Gators kick returner in 2015 and averaged 21.25 yards before losing his job to Chris Thompson in 2016. Powell has decent speed, good vision, and will likely have his role reduced a bit on offense with the rise of other playmakers, so he may be a bit more rested than Callaway and Massey whom are both expected to have larger roles.

CJ Henderson – If a freshman has a chance Henderson, the fastest member of the 2017 signing class, is likely the leader in the clubhouse. Henderson has both speed and agility which are obviously needed and likely will need time to focus on improving his skillset at cornerback, giving him less snaps and more rest. Henderson is a true home-run threat and could see some opportunity at both punt or kick returner.

 

Daniel Thompson
Dan Thompson is a 2010 graduate of the University Florida, graduating with a degree in Economics and a degree in Political Science. During this time at UF, Dan worked three years for the Florida Gator Football team as a recruiting ambassador. Dan dealt daily with prospects, NCAA guidelines, and coaching staff. Dan was also involved in Florida Blue Key, Student Government and Greek Life. Currently, Dan oversees the IT consulting practice of a Tampa-based company. Dan enjoys golfing, country music, bourbon, travel, oysters, and a medium-rare steak. Dan can be found on Twitter at @DK_Thompson.