Late in the 2010 season, Ryan Tannehill lined up behind the center, but it wasn't to quarterback the offense.
He had to punt.
It was a painstaking reminder that the Texas A&M punting situation was in turmoil. As this season gets under way, things still aren't settled.
Ken Wood, Ryan Epperson and freshman Drew Kaser have battled throughout training camp to establish some order to a position that was a revolving door for the majority of the 2010 campaign. To no avail, though.
"I think the consistency is something we're lacking," A&M head coach Mike Sherman said. "Being able to do it day in and day out. I don't think I'm 100 percent confident."
Kaser was expected to come in and seize the position from day one. However, a tweaked hamstring early in fall camp derailed that train. As a result, Epperson looks to have the edge going into week one.
"Ryan has done a good job lately," Sherman said.
It's the one position that is a relative unknown on a special teams unit that is seemingly stout throughout.
Kick returner Coryell Judie ran back two kickoffs for touchdowns in consecutive weeks in 2010. He goes into his senior season expected to be one of the country's biggest game-changers back deep.
Kicker Randy Bullock shook off an early bout with mononucleosis to put together a consistent 2010. His three field goals against Nebraska were the difference between victory and defeat. He's gained confidence and has been able to improve through camp.
"I'm not playing catch up," he said. "I came in healthy and I'm ready to go. Every day I'm out at practice, I've been trying to treat it like a game."
Sherman said Bullock has been outstanding -- a result of the competition between he and freshman Taylor Bertolet.
"Randy has had a phenomenal camp," he said. "It's been a great testimony to what competition does. We brought in Bertolet, and Randy has really risen to the challenge. I'm really proud of him."
Punt returner Dustin Harris is arguably the fastest player on the team. His explosiveness back deep returning punts will have opposing teams wary of giving him space.
"He's very explosive on punt returns," Sherman said. "He's just a lot more confident and secure in that area. He's probably as fast as anybody on our team, as explosive as anybody."
Harris, who is expected to see time at both cornerback and wide receiver, also provides sure hands at a position that had been a problem for Aggie teams throughout the decade.
"He has arguably the best hands on our team," defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter said.
Because of those factors -- the explosiveness, the experience -- special teams coach Randy Jordan said they will undoubtedly excel on that side of the ball.
"We're going to be good on special teams," Jordan said. "We were good. We're looking to be the best. We're going to be good, we're going to play fast."
Yet still, the net punt average of 34 yards in 2010 is troublesome. The lack of a surefire punter for 2011 is more troublesome.
Whether it's Kaser, Wood or Epperson kicking, Aggies should be hopeful that the team doesn't have to resort to using the starting quarterback.
"I think we're going to be better at that position this year than last year," Sherman said. "But I still worry about it because it's not proven."
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