In addition to coaching running backs, new Tennessee assistant coach Eddie Gran also heads up a Tennessee special teams unit that looks to improve from a decidedly less than special 2008 season.

As an assistant on former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville's staff, Gran coached the Tigers' special teams unit in 2006 that finished first in the SEC in field goal percentage, PAT percentage, punting, and kickoff coverage.

Gran has two veteran kickers to work with in junior punter Chad Cunningham and junior placekicker Daniel Lincoln, a crop of new talent from head coach Lane Kiffin's first recruiting class should help as well. Here's a look at each position:

Placekicker:

Daniel Lincoln's performance last year dropped off quite bit from his stellar freshman year that earned him freshman All-SEC honors. The junior hit only 55 percent of his field goal attempts last year after converting 72 percent in 2007. However, off-season practice has seen him become much more consistent and accurate. Look for marked improvement from Lincoln this year.

Punter:

Chad Cunningham is a back up no more. Cunningham averaged nearly 40 yards a punt when he started in place of Britton Colquitt in 2008. Like Lincoln, the summer has brought about increased leg strength, hang times, and confidence for the junior punter. Cunningham will also handle kick off duties this year.

Kick returner:

Junior Dennis Rogan has been reliable as the Vols' return man for the last two seasons. This year he will be joined by freshman David Oku. The speedy, agile freshman running back impressed in practice and earned the starting job alongside the veteran Rogan.

Punt returner:

Nu'Keese Richardson is very, very fast and extremely talented, but seems to have problems holding on to the ball. It will be a calculated risk to put him in so early, but there is tremendous upside in getting him game experience from the get-go. Richardson could be a huge weapon in the near future.

Coverage:

Press reports have documented that the special teams are receiving much more attention than in years past. Many of the Vols' best skill position players, including Heisman hopeful Eric Berry, will see time on kickoff coverage. Why you ask? I'm sure Florida's Brandon James could answer that.