One of the least consistent units for LSU football in 2022 was likely special teams. While they weren’t bad by any means, it wasn’t the kind of group that would lead the charge to victory. However, whether at kicker or returner, the group is looking much improved heading into 2023.
2023 LSU football preview: growing confidence within the kicker room
The special teams unit hasn’t been shy when looking back on last season. Several mistakes from the group ended up being significant factors in the Tigers’ overall season.
Take the Florida State game, for instance. LSU football had an opportunity to tie the game up at the very end with an extra point attempt. However, the kick was blocked, and the Tigers came away with the loss.
Now, looking ahead to 2023, the Tigers are ready to move on and grow from those moments. This is especially true for redshirt sophomore kicker Damian Ramos, who had plenty of moments to learn from last season.
“I think that I had a lot of experiences last year throughout the whole course of the season that have really prepared me more and more and boosted my confidence,” Ramos explained.
Confidence is one of the most essential traits for a kicker, especially at the college football level. In 2022, Ramos was solid, but showed some major inconsistencies. On the season, he made 10 of his 14 field goal attempts and 55 of his 57 extra point attempts. If he can improve on those numbers this season, the special teams unit will have experienced significant improvement.
One particular transfer portal addition could end up being a game-changer on special teams
One of the biggest names throughout fall camp has been none other than wide receiver Aaron Anderson. The former LSU football commitment elected to attend Alabama for his freshman season, but transferred to Baton Rouge this past offseason.
Now, entering his redshirt freshman season, the former four-star recruit has the potential to be game-changing for LSU. That stands at both wide receiver and returner, as he’s just an overall playmaker.
“Dude is a playmaker; he has elite speed and elite route running ability, can catch punts, he can literally play anywhere essentially. So, I’m excited to see what he can do in space and just continue to keep working hard,” said veteran running back Josh Williams.
Expect to see plenty of Anderson on both punt and kick returns this season. However, he isn’t the only playmaker capable of handling returner duties.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers, running back Noah Cain and wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr could also see some time at returner.
The Tigers boast one of the best punters in the conference
Despite entering just his second season with the LSU football program, 5th-year punter Jay Bramblett has the potential to be the best in the SEC.
In 2022, Bramblett averaged 44.51 yards per punt, good enough for fourth in the SEC and top 20 nationally.
Looking ahead to 2023, he should continue as the starter and has the potential to be one of the best in the country. In fact, earlier this month, Bramblett was listed on the preseason watch list for the Ray Guy Award, which honors the nation’s top punter.
The LSU football special teams unit has plenty of work left. Still, with the additions they brought in and their work in the offseason, they should improve in 2023.
“We’ve got a lot of really good work in this summer,” stated kicker Damian Ramos. “Our field goal operations have been, our timing has been really good, our ball flight’s been really good, overall everything has improved. And with that, our bonding has came together too, like right now, we’re hitting balls like we’re in midseason prime, so we’ve come a long way.”
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