Schiano Confirms Shipley Will Return Punts
September 21st, 2012
The leader of the New Schiano Order cleared up his kick and punt return picture after practice at One Buc Palace today.
Asked if wide receiver Jordan Shipley was his top punt returner now that Sammie Stroughter is lost for the season, Greg Schiano said the following:
“Is he the guy? Good chance he’ll be the guy,” Schiano said. “You know, there’s other guys who do it on the team. But I’m thinking he’ll probably be the first one out there. Yeah.”
Schiano was more direct in referring to Arrelious Benn as his top returner. Earlier this week, Schiano cited Benn’s ability to be unaffected by arm tackles as something that excites him.
Interestingly, today Schiano mentioned Shipley and Underwood as guys who also return kicks. It seems Michael Smith is off the coach’s special teams radar right now.
September 21st, 2012 at 2:18 pm
Shipley is not unusually fast, big, or strong. But he is a coaches kid, who really knows the game.
He took Oklahoma apart when at Texas, and always seems to find a way to get open.
He had some long returns in College too.
September 21st, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Shipley may not be extremely fast but he’s exceptionally quick. Great change of direction skills. Reliable hands and good punt returner. Also fantastic in the slot. If his knee is anywhere near healthy he’s a nice addition.
September 21st, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Lots of talk about return ability but with Parker gone I really like him in the slot. His hands are outstanding.
September 21st, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Michael Smith is a waste of a roster spot.
September 21st, 2012 at 3:32 pm
If the don’t use Smith, then the rock star GM should have taken the 6th round pick for him back in April.
September 21st, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Robbie G,
Amen to that. If Smith is just another warm body (Q. Black a Rockstar extension), then what the heck?
The RB for the Rams, Daryl Richardson was a solid 7nth round pick.
Ahmad Bradshaw coudl’ve been a 7th round pick for us, but nope. We got us Kregg Lumpkin.
Glad to see the new regime has an eye for talent. Barron, Martin, and David were all the right picks.
If we couldn’t get T-Rich, then this was a darn good consolation prize.
September 21st, 2012 at 3:48 pm
SteveK, to be honest, Richardsonis NOT worth what the Browns gave up. Hi was often injured at Alabama. The draft this year, they did very well. When I heard him say that he had a 6th round offer for Smith, I was thinking we had a steal. Well now it seems not so much. I thnk Barron, Martin and David were GREAT pics, and I think Tandy will be good as well.
September 21st, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Michael Smith is still raw and young.
He is still developing.
He is nice security on the roster. I like having him on board for the next few years.
Just be patient guys!
September 21st, 2012 at 7:25 pm
Michael Smith should be doing it anyway. Many rookies return kicks.
I want to be able to yell “Run, Michael, Run!” some more. To me, Smith is the best person to return kicks.
September 21st, 2012 at 8:12 pm
SHIPLEY,YES YES YES YES.lOVE IT i THINK THE WORLD OF SHIPLEY JUST WAIT BUC FANS YOU WILL TOO!