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SEC Football: Ranking the top special teams units for 2017

By Erich Hilkert

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
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 10, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers punter Trevor Daniel (93) punts during the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers punter Trevor Daniel (93) punts during the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee has a special teams unit that is neither spectacular nor a liability. Senior kicker Aaron Medley had an amazing freshman season but hasn’t been as good the past two seasons. He was 11-of-16 on field goal attempts in 2016.

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Trevor Daniel is one of the better punters in the SEC. He averaged 44.6 yard per punt in 2016. Tennessee finished at the top of the league in field position, partly due to Daniel pinning opponents inside their own 20 a total of 28 times.

Another big reason for Tennessee’s excellent field position in 2016 is kick returner Evan Berry. Berry tied the school record in 2016 with his fourth kickoff returned for a touchdown. Berry suffered a season-ending injury in November and is expected back for the start of this season.

The Vols will have to replace Alvin Kamara as the team’s primary punt returner. Wide receiver Tyler Byrd is one of the fastest players on the roster and did well in a limited number of kick return opportunities.

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