Miami football: Jonathan Patke National Special Teams Coordinator of the Week

The performance of the special teams for the Miami football team through the first two weeks have been rewarded via regional and national honors for coordinator Jonathan Patke and kicker Jose Borregales.

The Miami football program has greatly improved their special teams over the past two seasons. Kicker Jose Borregales, punter Lou Hedley and the coverage on kickoffs and punts have improved significantly. A lot of the credit goes to Jonathan Patke who was named the National Special Teams Coordinator of the Week by 247Sports.

Borreagales was a huge difference in the Miami 47-35 victory over Louisville on Saturday. The graduate transfer from FIU made all four of his field-goal attempts and all five extra points. Borreagales made a 57-yard field goal that tied the Miami football program all-time record.

Hedley is fourth nationally averaging 45.8 yards per punt through the first two Miami football games. Punting was a problem before Miami signed Hedley during the 2019 offseason. Kicking was a disaster for Miami before the Hurricanes added Borregales during the 2020 offseason.

Led by Borregales and Hedley the Miami coverage units have been among the best in the country through the first two games. Miami is 12th nationally in kickoff return coverage allowing 16.75 yards per return. Hedley and the Miami punt coverage unit have not allowed a return on nine punts. Patke was profiled by 247.

"Special Teams Coordinator of the Week – Jonathan Patke, MiamiA coach is only as good as his players. That’s true on special teams too. Whether you want to give him credit for execution or recruiting, Patke’s special teams units at Miami were one of the stories of a decisive win against Louisville. In particular, FIU grad transfer Jose Borregales was automatic from just about anywhere.The field goal unit was 9-of-9 on kicks, and 4-of-4 on field goals, including a smooth and easy 57-yarder. Borregales also generated six touchbacks on 10 kickoffs.The punt team has been strong to this point too and while Louisville didn’t necessitate a lot of punts on Saturday, Lou Hedley was effective when called upon with three punts, one inside the 20, none of which were returned by Louisville."

Getting quality play from the special teams has been impactful for the Miami football team in 2020. The coverage teams have been used as an incentive for Miami players to earn playing time on defense. Redshirt freshman linebacker Avery Huff has made a big impact on special teams according to defensive coordinator Blake Baker.

Huff has one tackle for Miami through the first two games. If the coverage units on kickoffs and punts continue to produce and Hedley and Borreagales play at their high level, Patke will receive more accolades as the 2020 season proceeds.