Special Teams Stand Out For Texas

May 15, 2007 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Texas Copperheads News Release


HOUSTON - It's an aspect of football that so very often gets overlooked by even the most diehard of fans.

But the Texas Copperheads know that special teams will play a huge role if they are to achieve any success this year.

"Our coverage has done well," said Ed Biles, director of football operations. "Our returns were well. The improvement in the special teams from the first two games has been pretty good."

Texas (2-4) averages 15 yards per kickoff return, ahead of such league powers as Florida, Tulsa, and Quad City. It's the one aspect of its game that has been consistent.

The Copperheads compiled 153 yards on seven kickoff returns in their third contest against Corpus Christi. Since then, they amassed 73 yards off six returns against Lubbock, 114 off six against Alabama, and 70 off four against Laredo last week.

The catalyst of such success has been the play of Jarrod Fuller. Able to use his agility and quickness against beefier opponents, Fuller has compiled 474 kickoff return yards for an average of 16.9, and even taking one return all the way for a TD against Corpus.

He's also returned four missed field goals for 139 total yards and two touchdowns.

"Every special teams play is important," head coach Bryan Blake said. "We have an attitude of guys realizing their jobs. Guys make blocks, Fuller is quick in the open field, and I think everybody knows special teams cannot be overlooked."

With both sides of the ball still searching for their respective identities, Blake feels that special teams can be a huge asset for his club.

The team works heavily on special teams, devoting at least 30 minutes of a 120-minute practice session to that aspect.

And as long as the special teams get more practice and reps fine-tuning their schemes and techniques, the Copperheads can expect to be one of the finer teams when it comes to that area.

"It's repetition," Biles said of why the special teams have been an asset. "We had more game reps and practice time, and we also made some key upgrades in personnel. People don't realize that the special teams are hard work. It's a huge key in us winning."

SPECIAL THANKS TO DENNIS SILVA - 1960 Sun Sports Editor

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