Special Teams Prospects to Watch

Photo: Prep Redzone

Tom Tabler March 21, 2023 @ 05:48 PM

Over the past few seasons, the special teams prospects in the state of Arkansas have become players to watch out for in recruiting. The number of talented special teams prospects in the recruiting classes over the next few seasons are really going to open some eyes. In this article, we are going to highlight prospects on the special teams unit to watch out for over the next few seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id='646483' first='Gideon' last='Tate']-Kicker-Heber Springs-2024   Heber Springs has a weapon at the placekicker position that is good from up to 55 yards. Tate has a strong leg and is extremely accurate. Most importantly he is a kicker that does not seem to get rattled in key situations. He earned special teams MVP from Heber Springs this season and is looking to build off of a strong season. Tate is going to be a prospect to watch this season and college scouts should pay attention simply because of the accuracy and leg strength. Watch out for Tate on Saturdays in the future.   J.D. Olson-Kicker/Punter-Bryant-2027   J.D. is a prospect that will not be outworked it comes to both kicking and punting. He has handled kickoffs, punt, and field goals over the past season. Olson has the leg strength and the accuracy to do everything the Bryant coaching staff ask of him. What stands out to me is that he is extremely accurate and can connect on field goals with little doubt. I am impressed where he places the ball on punts as well. Olson is just getting started and he has the potential to be a great one for Bryant over the next few seasons. Watch out for him on Saturdays as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='406640' first='Nathan' last='Kachel']-Kicker-Fayetteville-2025   We had the opportunity to see [player_tooltip player_id='406640' first='Nathan' last='Kachel'] in action once or twice last season. The Natura State has several kickers with incredibly strong legs coming up through the ranks in the state of Arkansas. Kachel has the range to kick from 55 yards and has connected on field goals from 50 yards. The Fayetteville Bulldogs will continue to use the talented kicker as a weapon when the game is on the line. Keep an on Kachel over the next two he seasons. He has the potential to light up teams with his kicking.   [player_tooltip player_id='498506' first='Jack' last='Edwards']-Long Snapper-Greenwood-2024   To even have a shot connecting on field goals and getting accurate punts away. The snaps must be accurate and give the kickers and punters an opportunity. The Greenwood Bulldogs have a great long snapper in the form of [player_tooltip player_id='498506' first='Jack' last='Edwards']. Edwards has yet to deliver a bad snap and he does an excellent job of getting down the field on punt coverage. He is another weapon that the Greenwood Bulldogs have, and I am intrigued to see what this season has in store for the talented long snapper.   [player_tooltip player_id='179429' first='JT' last='Miller']-Kicker-Rogers-2024   The Rogers Mounties have a versatile weapon at the kicking position. Miller plays the kicker, punter, and wide receiver positions for the Mounties. He is an extremely impressive at placing the ball from a punting perspective. Meanwhile, he is an accurate kicker that has good range with field goals. When it comes to trick plays, Miller is someone with the athletic ability needed to split out wide or take off with the football. Keep an eye out for Miller this upcoming season.

Over the past few seasons, the special teams prospects in the state of Arkansas have become players to watch out for in recruiting. The number of talented special teams prospects in the recruiting classes over the next few seasons are really going to open some eyes. In this article, we are going to highlight prospects on the special teams unit to watch out for over the next few seasons.