As a team that will rely on an abundance of underclassmen on offense and defense, the 2005 Mississippi State football squad will count on an experienced group to handle the kicking game.
The Bulldogs return four specialists that have started for the Maroon and White.
Returning for his third season and second as a starter is junior place-kicker Keith Andrews. Andrews comes off a 2004 campaign where he made six-of-ten field goals with a long kick of 48 yards.
The native of Bastrop, La., was perfect in the extra point column a year ago, nailing all 21 attempts. This season, Andrews says his main focus is on improving multiple parts of his game.
“My main goal this year is just to improve,” Andrews said. “I want to improve my field goal percentage and my touchback percentage. I have not changed my technique any from last year, but I think it will be experience that will help me out the most this year.”
State will have to replace the Southeastern Conference leader in punt average from a year ago after the departure of Jared Cook.
Taking over the reigns this year looks to be senior Brooks Crabtree. The Hinds Community College transfer from Starkville started three games for the Bulldogs a year ago, punting 18 times for a 36.1-yard average. However , Crabtree will find significantly more time on the field early this season.
“My goal during spring practice was to come out as the starter and enter fall camp as the starter,” Crabtree said. “I would like to average about 42 yards a punt and start every game. If I can just stay consistent, I think I can do that.”
Despite entering fall camp as the starter, Crabtree has found some strong competition. True freshman walk-on Blake McAdams is battling Crabtree for the starting spot.
McAdams punted once for 45 yards in the first scrimmage of fall camp and has impressed coaches early in fall practice. Also vying for time on the field as a punter and place-kicker is redshirt freshman Andrew Gambrell of Meridian.
“We just have to be more consistent at what we do,” said special teams coach Amos Jones. “Keith is an experienced kicker but will be challenged by Gambrell. As punter, Crabtree and McAdams are giving each other some competition and are making things interesting. We should be able to make some plays in the return game, and if we can be consistent, we have a chance to be solid in this area.”
Sophomore Jonathan Lowe will handle both kickoff and punt return duties again this season. In 2004, Lowe finished the year second in the SEC in punt-return average and fifth in kick-return average.
Joining Lowe in the backfield could be senior running back Jerious Norwood or it could go to a newcomer.
Junior Russell Cook will handle the snapping duties for the third straight year and will be backed by senior Britt Cross and redshirt freshman Jay Bowles. Crabtree who saw action at the position on occasion last season will occupy the holder position.