Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of special teams football! We're about to dive into an exclusive interview with Adam Scheier, the newly appointed special teams coordinator at Florida State University (FSU). But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, a little misunderstood. Special teams often fly under the radar, but they can be a game-changer! And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about kicking and punting; it's about strategy, passion, and the potential to turn a game around in an instant.
Adam Scheier's Special Teams Philosophy Unveiled
With over two decades of experience, Adam Scheier is a veteran in the world of special teams coordination. He's coached some of the best kickers and punters in the game, and his units have consistently ranked among the top special teams in the nation. But it's not just about the stats; it's about the impact these players can have on the field and their potential careers beyond college football.
Scheier's journey began at Princeton in 2000, where he officially took on the role of special teams coordinator. Prior to that, he worked on the defensive side of the ball at Columbia and Dartmouth, where he also assisted with special teams. His passion for special teams grew, and he embraced the unique challenges and opportunities this aspect of the game presented.
In his own words, Scheier describes special teams as "a thing of beauty" when executed to perfection. It's a one-play mentality, where every move counts. "The offensive and defensive coordinators get four downs to get it right, but we have one shot," he says. This high-pressure environment requires a unique mindset and a deep understanding of the game.
Scheier's playing days at Dartmouth shaped his philosophy. He earned special teams player of the year honors, but he attributes this to being "a step too slow" to start at safety. This experience taught him the value of embracing your role and making the most of your abilities. As a young coach, he saw an opportunity to make an impact on special teams, and it became his passion and career path.
One of Scheier's most notable successes was at UNLV, where his team returned two blocked punts for touchdowns. This game-changing moment is a perfect example of the impact special teams can have. It's not just about the stats; it's about the story behind them. "Our broader message to our guys is to develop as players, win games and championships, and then, if they want to play at the next level, they've got to have a skillset on special teams," Scheier explains.
When it comes to kickers and punters at FSU, Scheier wants football players who kick, not just specialists. He values mental toughness and a strong work ethic. "It's about the mental makeup of a young man," he says. "We'll get technically sound specialists, but the differentiating factor is that mental toughness piece."
As for what Scheier expects from his guys during spring ball, he's looking for a deep embrace of his message and a commitment to hard work and attention to detail. He's excited to work with the caliber of athletes at FSU, especially given the speed and size components that can contribute to dominating special teams.
So, there you have it! A glimpse into the world of special teams football and Adam Scheier's unique philosophy. What do you think? Is special teams coordination an art or a science? Or both? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
