Will Herring: 13 special teams tackles was 3rd on team in '07

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'You want to be able to get guys that can do something for you on special teams,' club president Tim Ruskell said. 'That's the best road to be able to make the team. If they shine on special teams, they can make the 53-man roster.'
Like linebacker Will Herring, a fifth-round pick last year who finished third on the club with 13 special teams tackles. Like since-departed middle linebacker Niko Koutouvides, a fourth-round pick in 2004 that led the team with 16 coverage tackles as a rookie.
But while a player's performance on special teams is a sure foot-in-the-door maneuver, the real key is getting a player who can develop into a starter -- or at least a significant role player.
'Obviously, you want to pick players that somewhere down the line could be starters,' Ruskell said. 'But usually the track that gets them on the team is the special teams factor.'"