He did. In fact for a period during the Tony Barrow era we had a tactic of returning the kick off on tackle one to try and pin the opposition in their 20, such was the distance he could get.

Pretty innovative for the time.

I recall that tactic getting plenty of groans from the Fletcher St faithful, who seemed to see it as a very negative, Union-esque ploy.

I guess done correctly and combined with a strong defence, unlike what we presently have, it makes some sense.