Broc Bellmore has no plans to change his first name.
A few of his teammates, however, already have a new name for the Sioux defensive lineman from West Fargo, N.D.
His teammates say Block is more fitting first name, considering Bellmore's ability to alter opponents' field-goal and extra-point kicks the last two seasons.
Bellmore blocked a Northern Illinois field-goal attempt last week, a play that helped UND make a fourth-quarter run at the Huskies. It was the fifth blocked kick for Bellmore in UND's last 13 games.
"We do our block party every week in practice," Bellmore said. "We've been focusing on it a lot more."
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The focus on special teams helped UND block eight kicks last season, the most of any Great West Football Conference team. The Sioux have two blocked kicks this season -- Bellmore's stuff along with Chris Anderson's blocked punt attempt at NIU.
UND's special teams have had a strong start this season. It was an area of concern in fall camp but special teams have been the most consistent part of UND's games at Idaho and Northern Illinois.
The teams are consistent due to the personnel.
"We have starters on special teams," UND coach Chris Mussman said. "Dominique Hawkins is on pretty much every team. If you can't start on special teams you can't play for us on the offensive and defensive sides on regular snaps.
"We're going to put our best players on the field because that's the most important play of the game."
But there is downside to that philosophy.
"We'd like to spell some of those (regulars) on special teams but until some of our younger guys figure it out, our starters will stay out there because that's the best opportunity for us to win a game."
UND freshman punter Brett Cameron has been solid, averaging 39.5 yards on 13 attempts. Six of his punts have landed inside the opponents' 20-yard line.
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The Sioux are averaging 8.7 yards per punt return, while holding opponents to 3.2 yards. And Erik Merserau and Hawkins have combined to average 22.5 yards per kickoff return -- nearly 7 more yards than Sioux opponents average.
UND's opponent Saturday in the 45th annual Potato Bowl -- Northeastern State of Oklahoma -- has had a rough start on some of its special teams. The RiverHawks had three punts blocked in last week's loss to Abilene Christian.
That could play to UND's favor Saturday.
"Our special teams have been the most consistent unit of the three phases of our game," Mussman said.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
