FSU football: How much did special teams improve over 2021?

Parting Thoughts

Special teams saw major improvements overall, but there were some failures at inopportune times this season.

The long kickoff return allowed against Clemson was less than ideal. FSU allowed a long kickoff return against Florida in the season finale too.

However, for the most part, the kickoff teams did an excellent job getting downfield in a hurry and making some violent hits.

Former safety-turned-linebacker and special teams guru Brendan Gant deserves a lot of credit for setting the tone. Wyatt Rector was another standout on special teams.

The blocking on punt returns was so much better than years past, not to mention FSU blocked two kicks, most notably the extra point against LSU, to win the game and prevent overtime.

A lot of young guys got reps on special teams, and most of that nucleus will return in 2023, which bodes well for the continuity and culture.

If the Noles can find a little more consistency in field goal kicking and become more of a threat on kickoff returns? This unit could be a top 25 unit in the nation.