For Jeff Edwards, it was the shadow of another kicker.
For Johnny Torres, it was the shadow of opposing players.
For both the Emporia State special teamers, 2006 should be a better year simply because the territory is a little more familiar.
“I think last year was decent, but I know this year’s going to be a lot better,” Torres said. “It just felt like a buffering period from last year to this year.”
Now that time has passed, the two can feel a little more comfortable in their surroundings.
That applies to the kicker Edwards, who stepped in for graduated All-American Justin Gray at the position last year.
Though Edwards didn’t have a bad year — making all 30 point-after attempts and also 6-of-11 field goals — it wasn’t one that was up to his own expectations.
“Last year, I’d say, was all right — I wouldn’t say anything good about it really,” Edwards said. “It will be a lot better this year.”
After a spring and summer of workouts, Edwards has improved his range and believes he can get back to the form that made him a second-team All-American as a sophomore at Coffeyville CC.
He also has confidence after receiving some extra training from Gray last year, who stopped by practices from time to time.
“As a kicker, you’re not going to get a lot of people that come and talk to you,” Edwards said. “It was nice to have him there.”
For Torres, the shadows were mostly ones he was standing in last year as a freshman on the field.
After being thrown into the punter position, he felt a bit overwhelmed given his 5-foot-8, 150-pound stature.
“Being my height and everything, it was just in my head,” Torres said. “You can’t really think about it, but I did.”
About halfway through the season, Torres finally began to focus on business and not on his bulk. That allowed him to concentrate more on the task of punting the football.
“I don’t feel as small as I am on the field,” Torres said. “I’m sure I’ll perform a lot better this year just because that was nagging me and I was so bothered by it. This year I don’t have any qualms about it. I just go out and get the job done.”
The punter averaged 35.6 yards per punt last season, ranking seventh in the conference. Thirteen of his 41 punts landed inside the 20-yard line.
ESU coach Dave Wiemers said Torres would be valuable not only because of experience but also because of his ability to kick directionally.
The coaching staff not only asks its punters to kick for distance but also to pin the opposition against one sideline or the other.
Wiemers said Torres’ foot speed would also allow him to succeed at this level.
“It’s not how big you are, it’s how fast your leg moves,” Wiemers said. “Johnny can be a front-line punter in the league.”
Wiemers believes both of his kicking specialists have what it takes to mature this season.
In fact, the two normally inconsistent football positions haven’t caused the coach any unnecessary anxiety.
“We feel great about both our kickers,” Wiemers said. “A lot of coaches lay in bed and worry at night about who they’ve got and who they’re going to use, and I don’t get to do that.”
Though the team spends ample time on special teams, Wiemers said his biggest focus is eliminating mistakes.
The coach knows one small miscue with the unit can cause the game’s momentum to swing entirely.
“We’re not asking our special teams to win the game,” Wiemers said, “we just don’t want them to lose the game.”
Wiemers does have one player who has the potential to help win a few games on special teams: returner Ryan Hulings.
The senior finished last season second in the MIAA in all-purpose yards. He also showed the ability to break the big play, recording a 92-yard kickoff return for touchdown and also a 71-yard punt return for a score.
Hulings, who doubles as a wide receiver, hopes lightning will strike for a third and possibly fourth time this season.
“No guarantees, but I’m looking forward to getting my chance,” Hulings said. “We’re going to have some good return guys out in front of me, so I’m just going to follow them. Hopefully, they lead me to the end zone.”