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.