NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Each time Marc Mariani heads out to catch a kickoff, he huddles first with the Tennessee special teams coach for a quick strategy session. Once he reaches the end zone and the ball's in the air, the mental calculations begin.
Where will the ball come down? Short of the goal line or behind? Catch it and run? Catch and kneel? Or just let it roll out of the end zone for a touchback?
All in the seconds that it takes for the ball to fly off the kicker's foot to the returner.