Jonathan Beard forms the launching pad for a spiraling coverage unit this season for the University of Central Arkansas.
Beard, a junior from Weir, Miss., is second in the Southland Conference with a 41.9 punting average after 14 punts. His teammates on the punt unit have not allowed a return yard this season.
"We're taking a lot of pride in our special teams and in everybody doing the job we're supposed to," Beard said. "We think the special teams can set up our offense and defense. We've adjusted some of the things we're doing in our special teams. It's a matter of everybody getting down there and not taking any plays off.
"It's a matter of getting the punts high enough some everybody has a chance to get down there."
The Bears have had only three punts for touchbacks this season with several downed inside the 10 or 20.
"Particularly on a short field, you try to hang 'em high so you can get your gunners (lead tacklers in the coverage unit) down," Beard said.
Punting is one area the Bears have a statistical advantage going into tonight's homecoming game against Sam Houston State. The Bearkats are averaging 32.6 yards per punt to the Bears' 41.9.
"I feel my role is very important against Sam Houston," Beard said. "I hope I don't have to punt much, but when I do, I've got to be able to turn the field and give our defense a chance to put their offense with a long field. I'm got to make the most of every punt I have."
Beard, who transferred to UCA from junior college during the spring semester last season, has worked hard on his punting skills. He's also a place-kicker but the emergence of Eddie Carmona has taken away the burden of double duty.
"I lifted a lot of weights and did a lot of running to build up my leg strength," he said. "I've worked hard this fall on being sound in fundamentals and technique.
"Eddie has helped because that has allowed me to concentrate on punting and that has allowed me to get better in that area," Beard said. "It's tougher when you have to do both because it's two different leg swings."
The conference opener and a regionally televised game brings another level of excitement to a homecoming game.
"Should be a great atmosphere," Beard said. "Every player wants to play in a bigtime game like this and this is definitely a bigtime game."
