re: Should fournette return kick offs

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I agree with the lack of wiggle .
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Wiggle is much more important on punt returns than kickoffs. Kick returns are more one cut and go. I think LF's issue was more about patience and picking the right gap.

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LF7 is a once in a decade kind of talent, so it is easy to see how our staff wants to get him the ball often. I somewhat agree with Melvin, as I think LF did fine at kick returner and got better as the year went on. He WAS after all a true freshman.

People often lump punt returns and kick returns together in the "return" game, and they are two completely different skill sets. Fielding kicks is MUCH easier than fielding punts. One thing I have always noticed about LF from high school is that he does better when he has a head of steam (ask the TAMU DB!). LF7 was actually a stronger 200m runner than 100m in track. Once that big man gets going, look out! The kick returns typically allow you to get going for 10-15 yards before the defenders approach you.

A special teams coach once told me that a good punt returner is a guy who can stand in the middle of oncoming cars on a freeway and not flinch. As Melvin said, wiggle is probably more important there, as you almost always have to make the first guy miss on your own, and miss quick, as he is usually in your face right as you are catching the punt.

We DO have many players that can help in the return game, there will be some great competition, and despite the posts about recruiting promises, etc., I think the guy you see our staff put back there at the end of the day will be the guy they think gives us the best chance at success.

For the record, I think LF could do ANYTHING he put his mind to doing! He could return punts and kicks, play QB, and probably be an all SEC Linebacker!