Watch: 12 best things specials teams coach Jeremy Springer said after Arizona Wildcats' practice
Jeremy Springer's coaching philosophy is "passion and energy."
'Passion and energy'
Updated
Jeremy Springer played linebacker at UTEP and coached at Texas A&M, where he made a positive impression on Kevin Sumlin.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
After Arizona's eighth spring practice ended Wednesday, special teams coach Jeremy Springer walks through the doors of the Lowell-Stevens facility wearing all red with a white UA hat and sporting the biggest smile on his face.
"How's everyone doing today? Let's get started," Springer said with an upbeat tone to his voice.
He's an extremely passionate and energetic person, and it's been like that ever since he was a quarterback converted into a linebacker at UTEP and his fresh coaching career. Passion and energy is Springer's m.o. and he's constantly preaching it.
Springer has one of the tougher positions on the coaching staff. Offense has Khalil Tate to look forward to, the defense is loaded with young talent that shined in 2017, but special teams' bright spot was Lucas Havrisik's 57-yard field goal against Washington State and Shun Brown finishing 26th in FBS in punt return yards.
The field goal unit had its struggles with long snapper Nick Reinhardt missing the season with a torn ACL so there was a carousel of players long snapping. Even tight end Trevor Wood played long snapper in some games last season.
As for the punting unit, Arizona's best punter Jake Glatting finished 129th among FBS punters for net yardage. Kevin Sumlin said after the first practice that last season is in the past. The talent evaluation and focus is strictly on this season.
Springer spoke to the media after Wednesday's practice, here's what he had to say.
Sending the message to players
UpdatedArizona special teams coach Jeremy Springer on the importance of special teams and how to spread the message to players: pic.twitter.com/pbbtDa8P9g
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
Recruiting Texas
UpdatedJeremy Springer on recruiting and how to sell Tucson, Arizona to prospects from Texas: “If you’re a Texas boy and you come out and see these mountains and the weather, you’ll love it.” pic.twitter.com/p38E6HnDML
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
Springer's philosophy
UpdatedJeremy Springer is all about “passion and energy” when coaching special teams and looks to make every practice fun for players, which includes competitions with a prize given to the winners. The prize? Snickers. pic.twitter.com/HR8V8Yfwtw
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
How did Springer get into special teams?
UpdatedHow does a former quarterback that was converted to a linebacker coach special teams?Jeremy Springer: pic.twitter.com/VvKUPHGeZm
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
Playing at UTEP
UpdatedJeremy Springer on his playing days at UTEP: pic.twitter.com/Da9Ri7C8nR
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
He's a twin?
UpdatedJeremy Springer adds on his playing days at UTEP and talks about his twin brother, Justin: pic.twitter.com/NLY5OdH0uw
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
Dealing scholarships
UpdatedJeremy Springer on giving scholarships to players: “You can’t just give out scholarships. ... By the time summer ends, we’ll know better where the numbers are at.” pic.twitter.com/euW8UOdCjJ
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
Havrisik's potential / kicking competition
UpdatedJeremy Springer on kicker Lucas Havrisik: “He’s a quiet, confident kid. ... Doesn’t say much, but he’s got a special leg.” Springer also brings up the importance of competition for starting spots. pic.twitter.com/AmBOgV9oMQ
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
Punters in play
UpdatedJeremy Springer says the only players competing for the starting punter spot are Matt Aragon and Jake Glatting. pic.twitter.com/IqgEXbVMsI
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
Standout players
UpdatedJeremy Springer names players that have stood out to him in practice. pic.twitter.com/5SX5BfnqrJ
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
Noel Mazzone's influence
UpdatedJeremy Springer on what he’s learned from offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone over the last few years: pic.twitter.com/brm0t73CP0
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
Springer's mentor
UpdatedJeremy Springer “owes everything” to his mentor and former coach Jeff Banks. Springer also added how much he appreciates the opportunity at Arizona working under Kevin Sumlin. pic.twitter.com/FNvN6sVlBi
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 29, 2018
