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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Nov 19, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers place kicker Daniel Carlson (38) kicks a point after during the second quarter against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Auburn Tigers

Auburn has the best kicker in the SEC and quite possibly the best in the nation. Having already etched a place in the Auburn record books (currently second in scoring and points kicking), Carlson earned All-American second team honors in 2016. For a second time, he was a Lou Groza finalist, the award given to the nation’s best kicker.

Last season’s backup punter and backup kicker Ian Shannon appears to be the strong favorite for the starting punting job this season. He punted against Texas A&M and should be a reasonable replacement for Kevin Phillips.

Kerryon Johnson will likely be the primary kickoff returner. Johnson’s career 25-yard return average is seventh-best in Auburn history.

Don’t be surprised if former quarterback John Franklin III earns the opportunity to show off his speed as the team’s punt returner. Reserve running back Kam Martin will also compete for touches as both a kick and punt returner.

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