University of Delaware Athletics
Football Positional Preview: Specialists
3/28/2023 12:33:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football team is a third of the way through its spring schedule as the Blue Hens begin preparations for the 2023 season. Throughout the spring season, Bluehens.com will be taking an in-depth look at each of the team's position groups, with this edition featuring the specialists.
The specialists group – placekickers, punters and longsnappers – will see the most turnover from the 2022 to 2023 season as any other position on the roster as the Blue Hens return just two members from last year's team. Brandon Ratcliffe appeared in 11 games last season, connecting on four field goals and going a perfect 11-for-11 on PAT attempts. He was UD's primary kicker on kickoffs, averaging 51.3 yards on 41 kickoffs with four touchbacks. TJ Latore also returns at longsnapper after appearing in four games in 2022.
The Blue Hens already have several new faces as three transfers have joined the squad ahead of the spring semester and are taking part in spring practices. Longsnapper Zach Taylor arrived in Newark after spending the past two years at Rutgers. Placekicker Nate Reed handled both punting and kickoff duties at East Stroudsburg. Punter Ryan Kost was a three-time all-conference selection at Monmouth, including earning All-CAA First Team honors in 2022.
"It's been great to get to work with some of these very talented transfers," said special teams coordinator Art Link. "Nate Reed has been looking so far and has a very smooth and strong leg. Zach Taylor brings a great work ethic and a high level of accuracy and will be handling the snapping duties along with TJ Latore.
"It is such a pleasure to have a veteran guy like Ryan Kost at the punting position. His timing and accuracy certainly help to solidify such an important position. We are happy to have him and look forward to introducing him to the Blue Hen fans."
Alex Schmoke will join the Blue Hens this summer as a graduate transfer from Saint Francis (Pa.). The two-time All-NEC First Team selection earned HERO Sports FCS Freshman All-American honors in 2021 and has connected on 33 field goals over the past two seasons. Additionally, incoming freshman James Collins (placekicker) and Noah Vitko (longsnapper) will compete for playing time as they enter their first season of collegiate football.
The Blue Hens finished the 2022 season, the first of the Ryan Carty era, with an 8-5 overall record and advanced to the second round of the FCS Championship. Delaware will open the 2023 season on Thursday, August 31 at Stony Brook.
Season tickets for the 2023 football season are on sale now and can be purchased HERE. Season ticket members receive price savings over singles games, early access to purchase tickets to Penn State, invitations to member events and more! Partial plans and single-game tickets will go on sale later this spring. Click HERE for more information.
For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @Delaware_FB and Instagram @delaware_fb, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook. Follow Ryan Carty on Twitter @RyanCarty10.
