ST. PAUL, Minn. – Concordia-St. Paul's fall football camp has featured NFL scouts on a near-annual basis over the past half dozen years, and the 2018 season has been no exception.
While there is genuine interest in senior kicker
Jonas Schenderlein, the Golden Bear football program continues to place a strong emphasis on excellent special teams play in all aspects.
Schenderlein and the Golden Bears attempted six field goals against one of the strongest defenses in the country last year before eventually falling 27-9 to #15 Sioux Falls at home in week eight.
That Concordia put itself in scoring position six times against nationally-prominent program speaks volumes to the consistent improvement under third year (second term) head coach
Shannon Currier, who will lead the program for a seventh overall year.
Schenderlein, who hit from 46, 29 and 58 yards in the game with his third field goal coming midway through the third quarter to cut the game to a one score deficit (17-9) which remained until nearly the midpoint of the fourth quarter, also had misses from long range from 63, 44 and a 54 yarder that was blocked.
While he tied the school record for most made field goals in a game, a feat he accomplished in three of the season's final four games, Schenderlein and the Golden Bears hope to have a chance to execute with the game on the line in any of the special teams unit when the 2018 season opens on Thursday, August 30 at 6 p.m. at Bob Young Field against #20 Sioux Falls (ranked as high as #18 by D2Football.com).
The game can be
watched online (free) and also features a free
live audio stream (KWSN AM 1230 & FM 98.1). The broadcasts can be supplemented with
live stats, as well. Keep an eye on all the league scores at the
NSIC scoreboard.
All Northern Sun games are available to watch via numerous streaming devices: Roku, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV and Android TV. Simply search for NSIC to find the Stretch Internet application to view all contests streamed by league members on your TV, and in high definition (where available).
"Special teams is the unit that exchanges the biggest amount of yardage and we want to capitalize on that opportunity. Points are also exchanged, and we have to win that phase every week. Winning special teams gives a team a shot to win every game, and we plan to put 11 guys out there who are better than the opponent's 11," said Currier.
Schenderlein can light up the scoreboard with his right leg, but he also helps in field position with a consistent ability to deliver touchbacks. New this year to college football is a rule allowing opponents to fair catch the ball inside the 25 which automatically advances it to the 25, just like a touchback.
While the Golden Bears are aiming to put their opponents consistently on the 25 yard line to start a drive, they aren't planning to settle for the fair catch rule as Currier insists he wants his team starting at the 35.
An advanced starting position means the offense barely needs two first downs to be in Schenderlein's field goal range. The 63-yard miss against USF last year was nearly converted, and his career long of 58 yards was the second longest make in Division II football last year and a yard shy of former CSP kicker Tom Obarski's school record.
It was part of a season that saw Schenderlein tie Obarski's 2014 single season record of 18 made field goals made and he enters the season just 15 shy of Obarski's career record of 44 with his mark of 29 already standing in second in school history. He's also automatic on PAT conversions, missing one in his career and holding a streak of 59 in a row dating back to his freshman season.
"He's one of the best in the country. He has range and leg strength, accuracy and a great mindset for a kicker. He's able to focus in the moment and come through when needed," said Currier.
And while he has one of the top weapons with Schenderlein, when Currier starts the conversation about special teams he opens by raving about his team's increasing depth and athleticism which he believes will benefit the special teams unit as much as any other position group on the field.
"We'll be better (on special teams) because we have higher quality players on the team overall and more guys who are now capable of impacting the special teams unit," he said. "Guys run better, are more physical and we bring a lot of game experience back."
He lists a number of players as potential key impact players on the kick coverage, punt coverage, kick/punt block as well as blockers on the kickoff return unit:
Dalton Smerchek,
Isaiah Walker,
Rhett Sheehan,
Andre Eubanks,
Lorenzo Kendricks,
Grant Ericksen and
Shaq Johnson.
The team was led in special teams tackles a year ago by its primary running back,
Darnell Rolle. Now a junior, Rolle racked up 17 total tackles (15 on special teams) on the year. Smerchek, who will handle the long and short snapping duties, was also an impact player and while he executed his snaps, he also finished second on the team with eight special teams tackles and also forced a fumble on the punt team.
"Dalton had a nice freshman year and we need the consistency he brings. He's a relentless player, a former state-level wrestler. He's a hard-nosed, tough and disciplined team player."
He'll be sending his handiwork to likely holders
Maxon Hutton or
Jared Olsgaard in the kicking game and
Danny Laudet or
Jake Shepley in the punting game.
"Danny has a tremendous leg and we're excited about his career going forward after coming off an injury," said Currier. He continued, "He's intelligent with his craft and takes it seriously. He knows what he needs to do to be the best punter he can be. He has a great leg, solid hang time and I'm excited for him to get his opportunity."
He replaces All-NSIC punter
Sam Maedke who led the league with a school record 41.3 average and finished his three year career as the team's punter with the second ranked career average (38.95).
He's faced competition in fall camp with sophomore wide receiver
Jake Shepley, who helps provided the kicking game with needed depth as Laudet is also able to backup Schenderlein in the kicking game.
In the return game, "Guys up front are blocking better which is the most important piece to a successful kickoff return. We have more athleticism and capability in our blocking this year to help spring those return men," said Currier.
Kickoffs will be handled by a committee that includes defensive backs
Dion Wallisch,
Marcus Haskins and
Dez Bassett along with running backs
Lajuan Preston and
Shaq Johnson.
Among returners, Wallisch had the most a year ago with 10 returns for a 21.3 average and a long of 39. Haskins and Bassett are coming off redshirt years while Preston and Johnson were easing their way into the ground game although Currier is now eager to see them more involved as ball carriers.
On the punt returner,
Jake Tanner is the incumbent and he had 13 of the team's 17 returns last year. While sure-handed, Tanner also had a nice 8.3 average with a long of 43.
Keyon Walters, a wide receiver, along with Haskins will also factor into the punt return unit.
Next up in the preseason preview series, part 4: While young, the defense features plenty of experience
