Duke football: Examining the Blue Devils' special teams

[ASFN Admin]

As many teams find out at the worst moment, special teams can be the difference between winning and losing games. Last year, Duke struggled on field goal attempts, making just 14 of 19 total attempts and finishing 89th in the FBS.

That stat can be misconstrued, though, as all of Todd Pelino’s missed field goal attempts came from more than 40 yards. From within 40 yards, he went 8-for-8.

Now, it’s time for Cosme Salas to take Pelino’s place as Duke’s main field goal kicker after handling much of the Blue Devils’ kickoff duties in 2025.

Here’s a look at how Duke’s special teams should look when the Blue Devils take on Tulane on Sept. 5.

Punter

Starter: Kade Reynoldson

Reynoldson returns after a solid sophomore season in which he averaged 44.61 yards per punt.

Placekicker

Starter: Cosme Salas

Backup: Ashton Zamani

It will be a new responsibility for Salas as he takes over for Pelino on field goals this season.

Kickoffs

Starter: Cosme Salas

Backup: Ashton Zamani

Out of 46 kickoffs last season from the foot of Salas, 34 went for touchbacks.

Long Snapper

Starter: Jack Yates

Backup: Jack Ronilo

Holder

Starter: Kade Reynoldson

Punt Returns

Starter: Jayden Moore

Kickoff Returns

Starter: Jayden Moore

Backup: Nate Sheppard

As a freshman, Moore averaged 25.33 yards per return. Sheppard could be productive on kickoff returns, but it could come at the risk of him getting injured.

This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke football: Examining the Blue Devils' special teams

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