Madison-Can Chimere Dike of Wisconsin help motivate the University of Wisconsin who hasn't got much work this season to return to the unit?
The University of Washington (5 wins, 3 losses, 3 wins and 2 losses) has only 11 kick-offs in eight games this season, mainly because defense limits opponents’ scoring opportunities.
When the Badgers were preparing to face host Rutgers University (4-4, 1-4) on Saturday, they averaged only 14.4 yards per pass, ranking 128th in the country.
Only Purdue University (14.0) and Air Force (11.3) have lower average levels than Washington University.
After Devin Chandler entered the transfer portal, Dick took over as the main returnee. He averaged 26.0 yards in six passes last season. Chandler averaged 21.3 yards per game this season.
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"This is something I feel comfortable with, and I have been gaining (confidence) as I move forward," said Dick, who averaged 18.3 yards in three return hits. "It just believes it. It's fast in the game. This is also in practice, but we are not brought to the ground."
The main kick-off returnee at Rutgers University is Aron Cruickshank, who played at the University of Washington in 2018 and 2019 and then moved closer to home.
Cruikshank returned an average of 20.5 yards in his freshman year and 34 yards in a long return. He shined in his sophomore year, ranked second in the top ten leagues, and fifth in the country, with a distance of 29.3 yards each time and two touchdowns.
In his first season at Rutgers, he averaged 26.8 yards per pass and two touchdowns. His average yardage has dropped to 20.5 yards this season, and he has missed the past two games due to a shoulder injury.
Rutgers University coach Greg Schiano said this week that he is not sure whether Cruikshank is ready to face the University of Washington.
"It will be close," he said. "I know he wants. He has been working hard. But there is a difference between wanting and being physically capable. If they are not ready, we will never put a person there and risk their health. "
Dick made his debut in Purdue University's kick-off pass unit and received 19 and 12 yard passes.
He hit the 19th position on his first return, but was knocked down after two Purdue players were cleared.
Dick took a short drive to UW 15 in his second chance and took the ball to 27 before being reversed. It looks like Hunter Waller missed his block.
In the game against Iowa State last week, Dick once returned 21 yards. After Tyler Mais missed his block, he was knocked down.
Chris Haring, coach of the University of Washington Special Team, pointed out in a speech before the start of the season that Cruikshank needs time to develop into a constant threat. He added that the work of the returnees, the blocker and the plan must be engaged.
"I will not put all of this on returnees," he said. "This is a combination of unit and coach. I have to find what the returnees do best. I have to help these people by designing a plan to use their advantages. Part of it is possession and decision-making. Where is the ball hanging? What is the return? Is it a viable option?
"We can do everything we want in practice, and we did it. But in that kind of game situation, the more you do, the more comfort you will feel."
Haering pointed out that Chandler needs time to adapt. His longest return was 59 yards against Wake Forest in the bowl game last season. This placed the ball on Wake Forest No. 33 and resulted in a touchdown.
"By the end of the year, you will see a person's communication and decision-making are very good, and reading blocks," Haering said. "This is part of the growth process."
This is the process Dike has just started.