Depth Assessment: Special Teams

LAST SEASON
Converting on 85% of their field goals and returning two kicks for touchdowns, Ticats are returning much of the same personnel as last season. One of the changes however, is Jeff Reinebold returning as Special Teams Coordinator after spending last season in the same role with the BC lions. Reinebold was previously with the Ticats from 2013-2017 serving as the Special Teams Coordinator from 2013-2016 and the Defensive Coordinator in 2017.
KEY ADDITIONS
FB/WR/TE – Nikola Kalinic – Drafted by the Ticats (second round 10th overall)
SPECIAL TEAMS ROOM
FRANKIE WILLIAMS
Williams is back for 2019 after having a successful first season in black and gold. Williams played in 14 games, missing four due to injury. In those 14 games, Williams ran back 40 punts 383 yards including a touchdown. He also handled the bulk of the kick offs running back  18 kickoffs for 407 yards.
The highlight of Williams’ season was that 98 yard punt return touchdown on July 19, against the Riders at Tim Hortons Field.
Williams looks poised to handle the bulk of the return game but James Allen and Ray Bolden could also factor in. Brandon Banks also has experience in the return game, should the coaching staff ever decide to look in that direction.

LIRIM HAJRULLAHU
Kicker Lirim Hajrullahu is back for his second season with the Ticats. Last year, Hajrullahu converted 46 of his 54 field goals. Hajrullahu also handled the punting for the Ticats, averaging 45 yards per punt.

MICHAEL DOMAGALA
Domagala signed with the Ticats in December out of Carleton University. At Carleton he converted 73 of his 96 field goals and averaged 38.8 yards.

LUCAS WACHA AND JAY LANGA
Wacha and Langa were huge on special teams for the Ticats last year. Combining for 30 special teams tackles, they’ll be looking to contribute again in 2019. Langa led the Ticats in special teams tackles in 2017 with 24 which was also tied for fourth most in the CFL.

AARON CRAWFORD
Crawford is back for his seventh season with the Ticats, having played 80 games over since 2013. He’ll likely handle the long snapping duties this season. Rookie long snapper Gordon Whyte is also in camp with Ticats.

NIKOLA KALINIC
One of the most intriguing players at camp with the Ticats this season, Kalinic was drafted 10th overall by Hamilton in the 2019 CFL draft. He stands 6’2 and weighs 246 pounds. He can play a variety of positions on offence and due to his size can be a factor on special teams this season.