Sports Illustrated FanNation Preseason 2024 All-UFL Team: Special Teams

The best returning players from the USFL and XFL will be taking the field together for the UFL in what should be the highest quality of play that spring football has seen in years.

As we discussed in the first two parts of this series, the merging of 16 total professional teams from the USFL and XFL into just eight means the UFL's rosters are brimming with big name talent and depth.

This high concentration of talent makes choosing an All-UFL team all the more challenging. Nevertheless, here are our preseason projections for the league's best players on special teams.

Sports Illustrated FanNation Preseason 2024 All-UFL Team: Special Teams

Our picks for the best special teamers going into the first UFL season.

Kicker:

Matt Coghlin | Memphis Showboats

No position in spring pro football has seen more change over the past year than this one. Three of the top specialists from last season are gone in NFL All-Pro Brandon Aubrey, Minnesota Vikings kicker John-Parker-Romo and pro-record setting Luis Aguilar.

Even with all the other accomplished kickers. Coghlin was arguably the most efficient one of the bunch in 2023, missing only one of 44 kicks. UFL teams are rolling the dice this year with some unproven specialists (see: Donald De La Haye in San Antonio). As a result, the reliable and proven Coghlin stands out.

Honorable mention: Taylor Russolino (Arlington Renegades)

Punter:

Brock Miller | Michigan Panthers

While there may be some punters in the UFL with more acclaim, no one in the league is more efficient at punting the football than Miller. The eight-year pro is a master at hang time and limiting returns.

Honorable mentions: Marquette King (Arlington Renegades), Colby Wadman (Birmingham Stallions)

Long Snapper:

Ryan Langan | Birmingham Stallions

This often-overlooked position has produced lasting success for spring players into the NFL (see: Scott Daly, Nick Moore, Christian Kuntz, etc.).

When specialists like Colby Wadman (All-USFL) and Brandon Aubrey (NFL All-Pro) perform at a high level, the underappreciated person who made that possible is their long snapper. Langan is the best in the league.

Honorable mentions: Antonio Ortiz (Arlington Renegades), Rex Sunahara (San Antonio Brahmas)

Kick Returner

Deon Cain | Birmingham Stallions

Cain exploded onto the scene last year with two kick returns for touchdowns. There may not be a more dynamic player in the league with the ball in his hands. The question is whether Birmingham will keep Cain returning kicks exclusively. He should have a larger role on offense after scoring three touchdowns in Birmingham's championship victory.

Honorable mention: Darrius Shepherd (St. Louis Battlehawks), Isiah Hennie (Houston Roughnecks)

The UFL's inaugural season will kick off on March 30, when the Birmingham Stallions and Arlington Renegades face off at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.

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You can find Mike Mitchell on X @ByMikeMitchell.

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