Top 7 special teams players to watch out for in Week 13 of college football ft. Alex Raynor

Special teams are often neglected next to offense and defense. But the third component of football has a way of showing up at the most important times. In Week 13, several special teams standouts could make the difference between their teams winning and losing.

Here's a list of seven special teams standouts who could be difference makers.

7 Special Teams players to watch in Week 13

Louisiana kicker Kenneth Almendares has led the Ragin' Cajuns to an 8-2 mark this year. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

7. Kam Shanks, UAB, punt returner

Yes, UAB's (2-8, 1-5 AAC) season is basically shot. The Trent Dilfer experiment hasn't been successful. But don't sleep on Shanks, who is one of the most exciting players in college football. The redshirt freshman is the only player in FBS football with two punt return touchdowns this season. He is a solid receiver, but he's exceptional in special teams.

6. Qua Ashley, Kennesaw State

A sophomore running back, Ashley is one of just three FBS players with a pair of kick return TDs this season. Kennesaw State (1-9, 1-5 Conference USA) is also stuck in an endless season, but Ashley has been one of the highlights. His 31.2 yards per kick return average is tops among FBS players with 11 or more returns.

5. Kai Kroger, South Carolina

No. 19-ranked South Carolina (7-3, 5-3 Southeastern Conference) has had a solid season, and their special teams' focus is a big part of the reason. Kroger is second in FBS with a 47.7 yards per punt average. He's also done a good job working with his coverage. Of his 39 punts, the Gamecocks have allowed just 56 return yards on the season. Hidden yards have helped them to overachieve.

4. Jesse Mirco, Vanderbilt

A transfer from Ohio State, Mirco has helped Vanderbilt (6-4, 3-3 SEC) to a surprising season. His 47.4 yards per punt is third in the nation. Like South Carolina, Vandy has taken advantage of lax special teams play to gain an advantage this season. Mirco has 52.9 and 49.6 yards per kick in the last two games.

3. Kenneth Almendares, Louisiana

Louisiana has been one of the better quiet stories of the season. They're 8-2 (5-1 Sun Belt Conference) and senior kicker Almendares has been one of the driving factors of the season. Almendares ties for the FBS lead with 22 field goals and he's only missed two kicks this year. Both of the misses were beyond 50 yards, so Almendares is 20-for-20 inside of 50 yards.

2. Keelan Marion, BYU

Marion is a college veteran. He's another of the three players with two kick return TDs this season. Marion's TD against Utah helped No. 14-ranked BYU (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) pull that one out, and with the Cougars on the edge of a conference title and a playoff berth, Marion's 28.6 yards per return makes him a must-watch.

1. Alex Raynor, Kentucky

Raynor has been the nation's most accurate kicker. Only three FBS kickers who see regular action are perfect on field goal tries. Raynor's 15-for-15 conversion rate is tops among that group. For a Kentucky (4-6, 1-6 SEC) team that struggles on offense, Raynor's field goals might give UK its best shot at hanging around with No. 3-ranked Texas (9-1, 5-1 SEC) this weekend.

Which special teams standouts will you be watching? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!