SEC Football: Ranking the top special teams units for 2017

Sep 1, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks place kicker Elliott Fry (29) kicks the winning field goal against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. South Carolina won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats kicker Austin MacGinnis (99) kicks the point after touchdown during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. Kentucky won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky kicker Austin MacGinnis is one of the better kickers in the SEC. MacGinnis helped Kentucky win two games in 2016. The Wildcats defeated Mississippi State 40-38 and in the game, MacGinnis hit 4-of-5 field goals. MacGinnis made four attempts from 30 yards or longer. He made 2-of-2 field goals in a 41-38 win against in-state rival Louisville.

Punter Grant McKinniss had an underwhelming freshman season, averaging 39.2 yards per punt. The Wildcats received a transfer from Columbia, Matthew Panton. Panton is an Australian-style kicker/punter. He has a legitimate chance to push McKinniss for the starting job.

Running back Sihiem King is the most experienced returning player for kickoff returns. He averaged 21.3 yards per kickoff in 2016.

Wide receiver Charles Walker handled punt return duties in 2016 and did reasonably well, averaging 7.8 yards per punt. He returned one punt 65 yards for a touchdown against New Mexico State.

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