special teams

Question
You wrote this statement: "In general, you have three classes of special teams players: starters, back up players, and dedicated special teams players (most NFL teams have one or two players like a "gunner" who made the team solely for their special teams play)."

I have three questions about your statement:

1) By "starters," did you mean starters on the offense and defense?

2) By "back up players," did you mean back up players on the offense and defense?

3) What position would a "gunner" who only plays on special teams be listed in on the roster?


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Followup To
Question -
Sorry if I've already asked this question before.  Other than the kicker and the punter, are the players on special teams taken from the second and third strings offensives and defensive players?
Answer -
It depends on the team.  Some teams emphasize having starters be on special teams (Like the New England Patriots for example) while some others for fear of injury don't have many starters on special teams.

In general, you have three classes of special teams players: starters, back up players, and dedicated special teams players (most NFL teams have one or two players like a "gunner" who made the team solely for their special teams play).  The exact mix of starters who also play special teams varies widely because of the philosophy of the different head coaches.  Some feel like they don't want to risk injury to a starter, others feel like a player could be hurt anywhere and at anytime, and the benefit of your best guys being out there outweighs any risk.

Answer
Michael, you asked:

I have three questions about your statement:

1) By "starters," did you mean starters on the offense and defense?
      YES

2) By "back up players," did you mean back up players on the offense and defense?
      YES

3) What position would a "gunner" who only plays on special teams be listed in on the roster?
      Traditionally they are 4th or 5th string defensive backs or wide receivers on the depth chart, but they are dedicated special teams players - that's why they are on the roster.