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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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Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Jared Cornelius (1) runs the ball as tight end Grayson Gunter (89) blocks during the second quarter of the game against LSU Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Jared Cornelius (1) runs the ball as tight end Grayson Gunter (89) blocks during the second quarter of the game against LSU Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Arkansas Razorbacks

Arkansas has an unremarkable special teams unit. Jared Cornelius is an above-average punt returner and should return as the primary punt returner for 2017.

Wide receiver Deon Stewart returned 21 kickoffs in 2016. He averaged about 20 yards per kickoff, a decent but unspectacular figure. Running back T. J. Hammonds could get a crack at returning kickoffs, too.

Cole Hedlund is the frontrunner to take over as kicker after receiving limited opportunities last season. He made 5-of-7 field goal attempts and was perfect on extra point attempts. Connor Limpert handled kickoff duties in 2016 and figures to receive a chance at winning the same role in 2017.

The Razorbacks will miss punter Toby Baker who averaged 44.4 yards per punt. Blake Johnson punted twice over the course of the season and did well in such limited duty. Limpert is another option for the punter position, although Johnson is considered the favorite.

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