Minnesota’s special teams unit delivered a significant milestone on Thursday night when wide receiver Javon Tracy took a punt 87 yards to the end zone for a touchdown. The score marked the Gophers’ first punt return touchdown since 2018, ending a lengthy drought in an area that has been problematic for the program.
The big play came early in Minnesota’s matchup against Eastern Illinois, occurring on the Panthers’ second punt attempt of the game. Tracy’s touchdown represents his first career punt return score at the college level and signals potential improvement for a unit that has underperformed despite having talented return specialists available in recent years.
New special teams coordinator Daniel Da Prato, hired from New Mexico during the offseason, appears to be making an immediate impact on the Gophers’ performance in this phase of the game. Head coach P.J. Fleck’s program has struggled with special teams consistency in the past, but Tracy’s explosive play suggests the new coordinator’s approach may be turning things around for Minnesota.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
About the Author
