Mike Ekeler discusses plans for USC’s special teams unit
TL;DR
Mike Ekeler has joined USC as the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach. He expressed excitement about the talent available for the special teams unit and emphasized the importance of finding roles for young players.
Key points
- Mike Ekeler is the new special teams coordinator for USC.
- He previously coached at Nebraska before joining USC.
- Ekeler emphasizes the importance of finding roles for talented young players.
Mentioned in this story
This offseason, USC made several changes to its coaching staff. One notable one was the addition of Mike Ekeler. Ekeler will coach linebackers and serve as special teams coordinator for the Trojans after coming over from Nebraska.
So what can USC fans expect from Ekeler’s special teams? In an interview with 247Sports, Ekeler discussed the unit.
“The amount of talent we have and the amount of talent that we're going to be able to put out there on special teams, I'm not joking, like it's hard for me to sleep at night because I'm so damn excited,” Ekeler said. “It's about finding the really good mixture of guys and giving guys roles. We have so many talented young players here, finding a spot for them, giving them roles to go out there, and when the lights are on, make plays that are going to affect winning and losing games.
“To get them a part of it so now when their number's called and they go out on offense, they go out on defense, they're already in the flow of the game, been there done that. It's about finding that right mixture, which we will.”
USC has had more than its fair share of special teams problems over the past few seasons—most notably in last year’s loss to Oregon. If Ekeler is able to turn the unit around, that could wind up being difference in the Trojans winning an extra game or two and potentially making the College Football Playoff.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football’s Mike Ekeler is optimistic about Trojans’ special teams
Q&A
What changes did USC make to its coaching staff this offseason?
USC added Mike Ekeler as the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, among other coaching staff changes.
What is Mike Ekeler's approach to USC's special teams unit?
Ekeler aims to utilize the team's talent effectively by assigning roles to young players to enhance their game experience.
How does Mike Ekeler feel about the talent on USC's special teams?
Ekeler is extremely excited about the talent available, stating it keeps him awake at night due to the potential impact on games.
