Keller and many other starters have major contributions on special teams. While most of the attention this offseason has been on what the Hokies are returning on offense and defense, the special teams units also return almost every starter from a year ago. That not only includes the specialists, but players like Keller who are instrumental in coverage and return units.
“Special teams is a big focal point here. We spend a lot of time on special teams, ..
. and I know we spend a lot more time in practice than other schools do just on the special teams period in general, Beamer Ball and all of that,” Keller said. “We take special teams very seriously here.
I treat special teams just like I would treat linebacker. I watch film, I make notes and all of that stuff. I treat it as if I was going out there on defense.
” Kicker John Love, punter Peter Moore and kickoff specialist Kyle Lowe return after serving in those roles last season. Christian Epling, who served as the short snapper until the Military Bowl when he handled both long and short snapping, is expected to handle both those duties. That familiarity allowed special teams coordinator Stu Holt to focus on improvement over the spring and preseason camp instead of having to evaluate position battles at multiple spots.
“Obviously there’s always going to be competition in the room, which I definitely love about the group of guys we’ve got,” Lowe said. “I would say we’re the closest group on this team, pretty ti.