2019 Rocket football preview: Special Teams

Key returners: Junior Bailey Flint (40.8 punt average, 24 punts inside the 20), senior Reggie Gilliam (four blocked kicks), junior long snapper Sean Mills, junior Danzel McKinley-Lewis (career average of 9.2 yards per punt return).

Toledo will have an experienced group of players headlining the special teams units in 2019, including one of the most dangerous players in the country.

Senior Reggie Gilliam was an absolute force on special teams, blocking a school-record four kicks, a figure that also led the nation last year. He now has six blocked kicks in his career, the most ever by a Rocket. For special teams coordinator Robby Discher, it's no secret why Gilliam has become one of the best at his craft.

"He is probably the physically toughest kid I've ever been around," Discher said. "He's also one of the hardest playing guys I've ever seen. Honestly, he's just one of the best people I've ever been around. He makes the coaches look really good."

Joining Gilliam among returning special teams contributors is another unsung hero, junior long snapper Sean Mills. The Rockets' starting long snapper in all 13 games last season, Mills was touted by Discher as one of the best deep snappers in the country.

"We're lucky because that's something we don't ever have to worry about," said Discher. "It's a good thing people don't know who Sean Mills is."

Mills' deep snaps will be traveling backwards towards third-year punter Bailey Flint. The Melbourne, Australia native averaged 40.9 yards per punt last season, pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line 24 times and booting eight punts of at least 50 yards. Discher praised Flint for having a good training camp and showing improvement. He thinks Flint can take the next step in 2019.

The other kicking position is still being decided. All-time great placekicker Jameson Vest capped an historic career last year, and three freshmen are still vying to take over as the Rockets' kicker.

Battling for field goal kicking duties are a couple freshmen, Evan Davis and Thomas Cluckey. Cluckey redshirted in 2018 and Davis joins the program as a three-star recruit out of Shelby, N.C. Both have had good camps and have hit at least 90 percent of their field goal attempts over the last few weeks. Cluckey and fellow redshirt freshman D.J. Wellons are both competing to be Toledo's placekicker on kickoffs.

Last but not least, the Rockets are shaping up to have a talented and deep crop of kick returners. Junior Danzel McKinley-Lewis and senior Ronnie Jones both have experience returning punts and kicks, respectively. Discher noted, though, that there are several players on the roster capable of making an impact in the return game.

Overall, Toledo's special teams units have a chance to be among the strongest positional groups on the team.

"We've got a good core group of guys who play hard on special teams and do a good job, so we'll definitely be alright in that area."

Toledo opens up its 2019 season at Kentucky on Aug. 31 before hosting Murray State in the home opener on Sept. 14. For season tickets or single-game tickets, go online or call 419-530-GOLD (4653).