A team that seen its worst season in the Sun Belt
Conference prepares for the 2012 season with talent on it special teams.
Justin Albert is making some noise at Troy and he’s
proud to be the man that will return the ball.
Only Albert, the punt returner, says there’s no “if” to
it. Only-when?
“I guarantee two or three touchdowns this year,” Albert
said.
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| #15 Justin Albert, Troy |
Albert
acts much differently than a year ago, when he was entering his first season
with the Trojans and was penciled in as the punt returner.
Albert,
after fumbling a return in the season opener at Clemson, was steady enough that
the Trojans considered his job safe heading into this season.
“It’s
good to have somebody with experience catching punts,” special teams
coordinator Shayne Wasden said. “That’s a scary position, if you have someone
who hasn’t done it before.”
Albert
admits he was nervous at the start of last season, “but I had to get my swag
back.” He averaged 8.2 yards per return, which ranked third in the Sun Belt
Conference.
“I’m
very confident back there. That’s my spot,” Albert said. “
Albert
is also motivated to live up to his inclusion on a preseason watch list. He’s
one of 31 players listed for the Jet Award, which goes to the nation’s top punt
returner.
“I
want to be the best and, to be the best, you have to perform the best,” Albert
said. “To perform the best, you have to practice the best.”
He
also shows promise at receiver. The senior from Prattville, who turns 23 today,
caught 40 passes last year for 338 yards and a touchdown.
