Black and Blue Review
The 9th and final part of a position-by-position Panthers’ training camp preview. Who’s a lock, who will be in a battle and who’s a long shot?
The Panthers shook things up this offseason after 2014’s special teams’ troubles. The first move was to reassign Richard Rodgers to the defense and promote Bruce DeHaven to special teams coordinator. The 66-year-old took a medical leave of absence during the spring, but returned for minicamp and hopes to coach through the season.
Personnel-wise, free agent additions like Jason Trusnik and Teddy Williams could find roles as ‘aces’, and Ted Ginn will slide back into his spot on punt returns.
| Position | Name | Year | Games | Age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K | Graham Gano | 6 | 74 | 28 | 6-2 | 205 |
| P | Brad Nortman | 4 | 48 | 25 | 6-2 | 215 |
| LS | J.J. Jansen | 8 | 96 | 29 | 6-2 | 240 |
| PR/KR | Ted Ginn | 9 | 120 | 30 | 5-11 | 185 |
| PR/KR | Damiere Byrd | R | 0 | 22 | 5-9 | 175 |
| KR | Jordan Todman | 4 | 33 | 25 | 5-10 | 200 |
| KR | Fozzy Whittaker | 3 | 24 | 26 | 5-10 | 205 |
| PR | Brenton Bersin | 2 | 15 | 25 | 6-3 | 210 |
| PR | De'Andre Presley | 1 | 8 | 25 | 5-10 | 190 |
Locked In
Gano, Nortman, Jansen, Ginn
Kicker, punter, long snapper and punt returner – those jobs are already decided ahead of Spartanburg.
Facing a Fight
Bersin, Todman, Whittaker
Thrust into a spot he wasn’t suited for, Bersin made nearly every punt return an adventure in the postseason. Whittaker isn’t in danger of making the final roster, but he may lose his kick return job to Todman, whose best chance to stick around is to win a role as a returner.
Long shots
Byrd, Presley
At South Carolina, Byrd got just three chances on kickoffs and none as a punt returner. Presley hasn’t done either as a pro.