Bowling Green State University Athletics
Spring Breakdown: The Specialists
May 12, 2020 | Football
Bowling Green, Ohio - Throughout the spring, former BGSUÂ tight end Tyler Traylor has broken down each position for the 2020 football program. Today's final installment will focus on the specialists.
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Spring Breakdown: The Quarterbacks
Spring Breakdown: The Defensive Line
Spring Breakdown: The Offensive Line
Spring Breakdown: The Wide Receivers
Spring Breakdown: The Linebackers
Spring Breakdown: The Running Backs
Spring Breakdown: The Tight Ends
Bowling Green, Ohio - Bowling Green returns four experienced specialists for the 2020 season, a group which should make the Falcons' special teams a strength.
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"We return four players in the specialists group who now have a lot of game experience under their belts." Special Teams Coach Jacob Schoonover said. "Matt Naranjo is a weapon in the field position battle, especially at home in the wind. We need to improve our consistency in field goals and kickoffs. We also need to improve the depth in our coverage units and develop returners who can score"
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Naranjo is in his final season for the Falcons, after transferring from New Mexico heading into the 2017 season. As an Academic All-MAC punter, Naranjo has averaged 40.6 yards per punt over two seasons with the Falcons. Naranjo pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line on 24 occasions in 2020 and tied a career-high with a 72-yard punt against Kansas State.
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Placekicker Nate Needham is returning for his redshirt senior season. Last season Needham was Academic All-MAC, finished the season 21-of-23 on extra point attempts with a season long 32-yard field-goal against Toledo. James Carolan, another Academic All-MAC selection, will continue his long snapping duties in his senior year.
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Mason Lawler returns for his redshirt sophomore season as a versatile kicker and punter. Last season, Lawler totaled 1,964 kickoff yards (an average of 56.1 yards per kickoff) with five touchbacks. Lawler connected on a 38-yard field goal against Ohio, and recorded three tackles against Akron. After the win against Akron, Lawler was the rare kickoff specialist to be named MAC East Special Teams Player of the Week.
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BUY SEASON TICKETS TODAY!
Spring Breakdown: The Quarterbacks
Spring Breakdown: The Defensive Line
Spring Breakdown: The Offensive Line
Spring Breakdown: The Wide Receivers
Spring Breakdown: The Linebackers
Spring Breakdown: The Running Backs
Spring Breakdown: The Tight Ends
Bowling Green, Ohio - Bowling Green returns four experienced specialists for the 2020 season, a group which should make the Falcons' special teams a strength.
Â
"We return four players in the specialists group who now have a lot of game experience under their belts." Special Teams Coach Jacob Schoonover said. "Matt Naranjo is a weapon in the field position battle, especially at home in the wind. We need to improve our consistency in field goals and kickoffs. We also need to improve the depth in our coverage units and develop returners who can score"
Â
Naranjo is in his final season for the Falcons, after transferring from New Mexico heading into the 2017 season. As an Academic All-MAC punter, Naranjo has averaged 40.6 yards per punt over two seasons with the Falcons. Naranjo pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line on 24 occasions in 2020 and tied a career-high with a 72-yard punt against Kansas State.
Â
Placekicker Nate Needham is returning for his redshirt senior season. Last season Needham was Academic All-MAC, finished the season 21-of-23 on extra point attempts with a season long 32-yard field-goal against Toledo. James Carolan, another Academic All-MAC selection, will continue his long snapping duties in his senior year.
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Mason Lawler returns for his redshirt sophomore season as a versatile kicker and punter. Last season, Lawler totaled 1,964 kickoff yards (an average of 56.1 yards per kickoff) with five touchbacks. Lawler connected on a 38-yard field goal against Ohio, and recorded three tackles against Akron. After the win against Akron, Lawler was the rare kickoff specialist to be named MAC East Special Teams Player of the Week.
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