Specialists do it with their feet

Special coaches have identified the importance of special team and put the work. The late great George Allen the former Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskin coach won football games because of superior special teams play. Frank Beamer of Virginia Tech is a believer of superior special teams play and the Hokies have been able win game because of "Beamer Ball."

That is why teams are beginning to take special teams seriously and beginning to offer scholies to specialists.

There is a kicker by the name of Kyle Peterson (6-4, 190, 4.7) from West Covina (Calif.) South Hills who has one offer on the table and has lived up to his reputation as one of the West's best place-kickers.

As you probably have heard by now, he has been selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game in San Antonio, Texas," South Hills recruiting coordinator James Escarcega said. "He's second player from the San Gabriel Valley to have been selected for the game."

"The other one was some guy named Shaun Cody," Escarcega said. "He turned out to be a pretty good player."

So far this year, Peterson has been averaging 57.6 yards per kickoff, with 14 touchbacks, he is 3-5 in field goals with longest being 44 yards against Esperanza during the first week of the season.

"Kyle has been averaging 31 yards a punt, but since the offense has been clicking this year and we've won the battle of field position," Escarcega said. "He has been the victim of our success."

"Kyle's longest punt was against Pomona several weeks ago at 51 yards with no return" Escarcega said. "Plus he's been perfect on extra points 18-18."

Peterson is getting serious looks from UTEP (offer), Oregon State, Cal, Washington State and Duke.

In 2004, Peterson had the longest punt in the Golden State with an 85-yard effort. The kick went 60 yards in the air and received a very kind roll for the other 25 yards.

On the 2004 season, Peterson had 14 punts that were downed inside the 20-yard line. When kicking off Peterson racked up 22 touchbacks.