NEW ORLEANS — When the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl begins, expect to see
Tyler Bird on the field for the first play.
It doesn't matter who wins the coin toss.
No. 20 App State (12-1) faces UAB (9-4) on Saturday, and the work of special teams coordinator
Erik Link's various units has played an important role in the Mountaineers' success. Recognized as the program's special teams player of the year during last weekend's team banquet, Bird has participated in all 290 "snaps" on App State's kickoff, kickoff return, punt and punt return units.
An inside linebacker, he has posted double-figure stops on special teams as part of his 15 total tackles this season.
"He's in critical positions for each one of those units for two reasons," Link said. "He has the ability to do it physically, but also mentally he's able to handle a lot of different calls and responsibilities that we've put on him. He's graded out at over 87 percent on the season, which is really, really phenomenal. He's in the right spot because of his physical ability and mentally he's sharp and in tune with the game plan."
One of several talented, promising sophomore linebackers on App State's roster, Bird is developing at inside linebacker while providing depth behind senior captain
Jordan Fehr. Bird has delivered several hard-hitting stops on defense when opportunities have arisen, and his special teams efforts have contributed to the Mountaineers' all-around excellence in that phase of the game.
With seven tackles on kickoff returns, Bird has helped App State limit opponents to 18.91 yards per return, compared to the 24.4 yards that the Mountaineers average on their attempts. While App State averages 9.8 yards per punt return, opponents are averaging just 3.6.
Dangerous returner Eric Garror from Louisiana fielded two third-quarter punts in the Sun Belt Championship Game, but Bird forced Garror to lose a yard with a one-on-one tackle as Garror moved toward open space with blockers by his side. Bird then combined with
Ryan Huff for an immediate stop on a punt inside the 10.
"It's doing whatever you can to help the team and doing your job every play," Bird said. "When the opportunity shows where you can make a tackle or make a play, it's taking advantage of it."
Bird is one of several defenders who continue to make a weekly special teams impact while adding depth to App State's stingy defense. The likes of Huff,
Kaiden Smith,
Mike Price,
Nicholas Ross,
Matthew McQuinn,
Jourdan Heilig,
Jordan Mitchell,
Nick Hampton,
Logan Doublin,
Caleb Spurlin,
Tim Frizzell,
KeSean Brown,
Brendan Harrington,
Kaleb Dawson,
Zareon Hayes and
Steven Jones have all contributed to the advantages enjoyed by the Mountaineers' return and coverage units.
"Special teams, it's a third of the game," Bird said. "We all know how important it is and how important field position is."
