Head Coach John Fox announced Wednesday that Jonathan Stewart will be the Panther’s kick returner next season.

“He’s the guy who’ll start off with those duties when we get to (training) camp,” said Fox “Based on past history, he can do it”

Fox is right. Stewart was one of the NCAA’s top kick returners while he was at Oregon, returning 58 kickoffs at Oregon for a 28.7-yard average, with two touchdowns. Hopefully Stewart will be able to improve over the last two season in which Carolina 19.4 and 19.1average return yards respectively. These numbers are primarily due to the fact that Carolina has been without a legitimate kick returner since they lost “He Hate Me” (Rod Smart’s Jersey name while in the XFL) in 2005.

“Returning kicks is another offensive possession” said Stewart, who seems very willing to step into this role “It’s an opportunity to get the game rolling for the offense.”

Stewart will be one of the biggest returners in the league, and will look to work with Special Teams Coach Danny Crossman to get the Panthers back to the level they were at in 2005 ranking 9th in the NFL.

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