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Special teams coordinator John Papuchis tries out 3 players at punt return duties

John Papuchis names three candidates at punt returner.

By Taylor Devers

Florida State special teams coordinator John Papuchis speaks to media on August 28, 2023.
Florida State special teams coordinator John Papuchis speaks to media on August 28, 2023. / Jack Williams/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Florida State football has always valued the special teams aspect, especially head football coach Mike Norvell. During Norvell's introductory media session when he was hired by the Seminoles, he emphasized the importance of special teams and he added that it was the foundation of a program.

During the 2023 season, they benefitted from having phenomenal play from kicker Ryan Fitzgerald and punter Alex Mastromanno. It is also worth mentioning that they had good production from Deuce Spann at kickoff (touchdown return against Duke) and Keon Coleman at punt return.

However, Coleman is off to the NFL. This is a void to fill. The Seminoles did add talented pieces to hopefully replace the production that was lost. Defensive ends coach/special teams coordinator John Papuchis mentioned three players that they have been working out at punt returners.

In this article, I wanted to break down each candidate that the coaching staff has tried out and my thoughts on each of them.

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