Chad Bumphis returns a punt 82 yards for a touchdown versus Louisiana Tech. (Photo by Deste Lee)

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It's never too early to look ahead to the 2012 football season, so I'm breaking down MSU position by position and handing out grades. Keep in mind, 2012 commitments are not factored in unless it's one of the juco December signees already on campus. Entertainment purposes only, no wagering or loud cursing allowed.

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Losses: K Derek DePasquale

• Returning experience: PR Johnthan Banks (Sr.), PR Chad Bumphis (Sr.), K Brian Egan (Jr.), KR Jameon Lewis (So.), KR LaDarius Perkins (Jr.), P Baker Swedenburg (Jr.)

• Likely starters: Banks, Egan, Lewis, Perkins, Swedenburg

• Overall grade: B-minus. Banks and Bumphis split punt return duty last season, and each returned one for a touchdown. But overall they weren't that explosive. I like the potential of Lewis and Perkins on kick returns, but the numbers need to go up. Egan hasn't impressed me much yet, but he hasn't had much of a chance before now. Swedenburg showed machine-like consistency last fall as a first-year starter.

• Depth grade: B. I have no idea of the quality of backups to Egan and Swedenburg, but coaches usually figure something out there. There are options aplenty in the return game, which needs to be better, and should be.