Aggie special teams filling 'holds' left by Braden Mann's departure
The loss of punter extraordinaire Braden Mann — who also “Manned” the kickoff and holding duties — is an interesting one, and leaves plenty of shoes to fill. While the heir apparent at punter is obviously Nik Constantinou, who will be the Aggies’ kickoff specialist? Or the new holder?
Junior placekicker Seth Small spoke to the media on Thursday and discussed all things special teams, including the competition to fill some of the open roles.
Small achieved some immediate success, making 18 of his 23 attempts a year ago. Perhaps his biggest kick came late in the contest with Arkansas when he nailed a 50-yarder, his season long. Small called that moment a confidence-builder.
“That was a fun one,” Small said of the kick. “I haven’t had any last second, game-winners yet, but obviously, that’s what I live for.”
Small knows that he plays a crucial part in the Aggies’ success and doesn’t want to leave any points off the board by missing any of his chances.
“It’s essential for me to make my kicks,” Small said. “That’s not something that I take lightly. Inside 40 or outside of 40, I need to make it.”
Either Colton Taylor or Nik Constantinou will serve as Small’s holder this year, and regardless of who earns the nod, Small has built trust with both.
“No matter who we go with, whoever is ready, I’m confident in both of them,” he said.
Another position up for grabs is kickoff specialist. Small, sophomore Caden Davis and freshman Drew Bhatia are all vying for the job.
“I’m excited to go out there and compete with those boys,” Small said with a smile on his face. “Whoever earns it, earns it.”
Replacing a Ray Guy-winning punter is no small task, but next up for the Aggies is Nik Constantinou, who punted just once last year — a booming 57-yard boot against UTSA. Constantinou’s leg strength certainly isn’t an issue, so the Aussie has been working on his American accent this offseason out in public.
“He’s very natural when he punts the ball,” Small said. “In Australia, they grow up kicking the ball as we do in America throwing the ball.”
The importance of Constantinou and every special teams member is not lost on Small, who has said that A&M is one of the best teams in the country. Now he’s just ready to hit the field.
“I just want to play football,” Small said. “I’ll be ready and this team will be ready, too.”