While the performance of A&T’s kicking game has been slightly above average accounting for at least six points per contest, there were several untimely breakdowns over the last year or so with blocked or tipped punts, ball handling miscues, or missed coverages that where either resulted in costly turnovers that were game changers.
Just a few season’s back, North Carolina A&T’s special teams were feared across the FCS level because of an exceptional return game and ability to flip the field in just a single play. That reputation was earned through the work put in practice and precise execution. It consistently produced both all-conference and All-American special team performers year in and year out like Khris Gardin, Tony McRae, Malik Wilson, and Taymon Cooke.
Much of that acclaim was achieved under then Running Back and Special Teams coach Shawn Gibbs during his first ten-year stint in Greensboro. Now back at A&T as head coach, it is anticipated that special teams will again be placed front and center as a top priority for improvement this fall.
The biggest news is the return of veteran grad placekicker Andrew “Money” Brown for his final year as placekicker and kickoff specialist. The 5-10,185 Lexington, NC native has career totals of 36-53 (67.9%) on FGs, an accuracy rate of 94% on PATs (78-83) while averaging 57.6 yards per kickoff with 45 touchbacks on 146 kickoffs.
Brown’s range is well documented to be consistently over 50 yards with 16 made field goals over 40 yards including two at a distance of 52 yards. Backing him at placekicker will be senior Jay Haggins (5-10,180) who will also double as the reserve punter. Haggins is in his third season with A&T after transferring from Johnson C. Smith (CIAA) after his freshman year.
Sophomore DJ Page (6-0,185) enters his second year as A&T’s punter and after a slow start as a true freshman worked hard in the offseason and has been very impressive in fall camp with his improved distance and spectacular hang time. Page, who became the starter in game four had 5 punts over 50 yards last year including a 70-yarder which was just four short of breaking Hall of Famer Spencer Gwynn’s school record of 73. His 37.4-yard average should be easily eclipsed this season because of a strong and aggressive strength and condition regiment this past winter and summer.
The Aggies will return both of their long snappers in Damien Jackson Jr. (6-0,190, R-Sr.) and Bryson Ruddy (6-1,210, Sr.). Both have their own specialties with Jackson being the primary man on punt attempts while Ruddy takes the call on extra points and field goals.
The return game should be in good hands with graduate Aaron Harris (6-0,190) who is a preseason All-CAA pick as a kickoff return specialist having averaged 29.92 yards per return including a 100-yarder for score against N.C. Central.
Beside him will be sophomore Cortez Lane who just a hair behind Harris statistically, averaging 27.83 yards per return and had a touchdown of his own of 97 yards against Elon. This duo will be double trouble for opponents on kickoffs all season long.
Punt returns could be equally electrifying for fans with senior Amonte Jones and sophomore Laquan Veney as the deep men. Veney put up exceptionally good numbers averaging 19.2 yards per return while Jones’ 4.5 speed makes him a legitimate threat to take it back to the house on nearly every punt situation.
