Chapter 20 Sharpening the Knife
The so-called punt means that the punter of the offensive team's special team kicks the football directly and vigorously; while the defensive team's special team prepares to receive the ball in the opposite half.
After the defensive receiver receives the football, he can continue to move forward. This is called a "return."
The offensive special team must stop the receiver, because the position where the receiver's knee touches the ground will be the starting point of the opponent's offensive team's attack.
The most exciting punt can put the opponent's offensive starting point on the one-yard line of the opposite end zone.
The worst punt is to allow the opponent's receiver to travel across the entire field and reach his own end zone to complete the touchdown. This is called a "return touchdown."
Of course, there are all kinds of other situations with punts.
If the punter kicks the ball directly out of the sideline, or flies out of the opposite end zone, or falls into the opposite end zone, the result will be the same:
The opponent's offensive team will automatically start on their own side. The offense begins at the twenty-five yard line, which is called the "standard offensive starting position."
In the past, the standard offensive starting position was one's own twenty-yard line, but starting in 2016, the league changed the rules to kick off five yards earlier and at the twenty-five-yard line, so the NCAA also adjusted the rules accordingly.
Just now.
The main team failed in all three attacks, and ended up staying within 35 yards of their own side. In order to avoid the failure of the fourth-speed power play and instead give the substitute team an offensive position close to their own end zone, they could only choose to punt.
For the main team, the football kicks directly out of the end zone, which means the substitute team will start from their own twenty-five yard line.
roar!
Ho ho ho!
Although it has just begun, the heat wave can already be deeply felt at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The fans and spectators not only cheer for the main team, but also cheer for the substitute team——
Who knows, maybe when the new season starts in September, there will be players on the bench who can enter the main lineup?
Levi, here we come.
no the same.
It's really different.
Levi, who has always been used to playing alone, can clearly feel the power of the stadium and a completely different experience.
This is "only" the power of 70,000 people. It's hard to imagine what a majestic scene it would be if all the stadium with 100,000 people were filled.
Thinking about it, my blood suddenly boiled.
Jogging on stage with small steps, Levi raised his head and chest, immersed in such a moment and savored it carefully. He liked such an atmosphere and feeling.
Levi thought, what would it be like if the whole audience cheered for him?
He was going to give it a try.
The quarterback of the backup team, Cooper-Bateman, has a similar pronunciation of his last name to Batman and a similar height and build to Batman - 224 pounds (102 kilograms), which is slightly bulky for a quarterback. After a while, his teammates called him Batman.
Unfortunately, Bateman's career prospects are unclear.
He is a junior this year and will be a senior in September, but he has always been a substitute for the team. In the spring training camp, he lost the competitiveness of the main quarterback to high school student Hurts. The hope of turning professional in the future is being extinguished little by little.
But Bateman is an honest man, and he still trains down-to-earth, and finally defeated other opponents and became the team's second quarterback.
"I think we should start with a ground attack."
Bateman said.
He knelt down on one knee, and his teammates from the substitute team surrounded him. This honest man seemed unconfident, honest and simple. He did not give orders, but asked his teammates for their opinions. The flicker in his eyes revealed mixed emotions, both nervousness and excitement.
Then, he looked at Levi——
Because Levi is a running back, and because of the thick and thin of spring training camp, they not only see Levi's talent, see Levi's hard work, but also see Levi's intelligence.
From knowing nothing about rugby to now, Levi has become the team's official adviser. If you are still confused after the tactical training class, go to Levi and he will definitely be able to answer your questions and enlighten you. This has become Team gossip.
Bateman himself has approached Levi several times. Levi never hides his secrets; and he never talks about "teaching", and always conducts it in the name of exchange and discussion.
Not only Bateman, but also the defensive team of the opposing main team is staring at Levi.
He raised his head and looked over the crowd, and then he could see Allen and Foster. Allen was jumping lightly on the spot, looking like he was gearing up, and his eyes were shining with excitement, as if he couldn't wait any longer.
Levi knew that Allen really couldn't wait -
As a defensive end, Allen's task is to sack running backs and quarterbacks. For a defensive team, sacks are one of the most dominant signs, and defensive ends are often the team's sack king.
From the day Levi joined the Crimson Tide Storm, Allen has been waiting for this practice match, not for revenge, but to compete with Levi openly in the official game. This time he will not underestimate the enemy.
Noticing Levi's gaze at this time, Allen showed a bright smile, slowly scratched his throat with his right thumb, jumping continuously like a flea, and then shouted to Levi.
"How about it, are you ready for some serious wrestling?"
Levi grinned, his face full of cuteness, "Not ready yet."
"Haha." Allen burst into laughter along with the others around him.
Allen, you do need to be vigilant, but Levi's attention is all on another person——
Number ten.
To be precise, it should be Reuben Foster.
Levi didn't remember his name, but he remembered the mediocre No. 10, the linebacker in the trial. He didn't feel special at the time, but in just three weeks of training, Levi realized how good Foster was.
Low profile. Focus. serious. Be practical.
Although Foster is usually silent, he is also one of the captains of the defensive team; moreover, the linebacker position is equivalent to the quarterback of the defensive team.
From the perspective of position, the linebacker and quarterback are mirror positions. The linebacker is also the position on the defensive team with built-in headphones in the helmet. He is responsible for communicating with the defensive coordinator, and at the same time observing the layout and positioning of the opposing offensive team to make judgments. , if necessary, he will also adjust defensive tactics——
Just not often. After all, the initiative is in the hands of the offensive team, and the defensive team is adaptable most of the time.
Foster's strength lies in his calmness and his own ideas about tactical layout.
In addition, linebackers are the real enemies of running backs.
The Crimson Tide Storm's defensive team is "3-4", which is the configuration of four linebackers. Shaban has his own strengths in training linebackers.
At this time, Foster did not pay special attention to Levi, but Levi could feel the attention from No. 10, and a murderous intention locked on him.
The high morale and fighting spirit are already burning.
It seems that not only Allen, but Foster has also quietly targeted Levi.
Retracting his gaze, Levi looked at Bateman, whose eyes showed some uncertainty. He felt that he could not blame Allen and Foster for being vigilant. After all, they were both on the same team and were familiar with each other's strengths and weaknesses. But that's it.
What's more, they have been sharpening their knives for three weeks.
It's time too.
Levi took a deep breath and looked at Bateman.
"good."
Without hesitation, I agreed and faced the challenge bravely——
Face the difficulties!
The rugby seedlings are asking for support. In the new book period, you must turn to the latest chapter even if you are keeping it. There will be outbreaks in the future. The young man is ready to explode. Thank you all!
(End of this chapter)