Rashad Green is a playmaker on special teams, and the sophomore has returned two punt returns for touchdowns this season.
But he’s also had trouble fielding punts, including a fumble in Florida State’s win over Miami on Saturday night. Coach Jimbo Fisher has been concerned with Greene’s inconsistency, and he has moved Tyler Hunter into the role of punt returner.
A redshirt freshman, Hunter has seen increased playing time as the season progresses. The defensive back from Valdosta, Ga., has 14 tackles and had his first career interception against Miami.
“Tyler is a 4.3 guy (in the 40),” Fisher said. “You saw when he returned that interception the other day. Tyler’s got great ball skills.
“When I first recruited him, I saw him playing quarterback. They were running the option up at Lowndes. He was breaking touchdown runs. He has the explosion to do it.”
Praise for Vernon: Former Miami Gulliver prep standout Conner Vernon has had quite a career at Duke, accumulating 3,424 receiving yards going into Saturday's game at FSU.
Vernon has 51 catches for 749 yards and five touchdowns this season. The senior is just 93 yards from tying the all-time Atlantic Coast Conference receiving record, held by former FSU receiver Peter Warrick (3,517 yards).
“He’s much quicker and faster than people think,” Fisher said. “Tremendous hands. He’s precision when he runs routes. As a coach you really enjoy watching him play because of the time and the dedication it takes to get to that level.”
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