LSU Football: Top 5 concerns heading into the 2023 season
No. 3 – LSU Football special teams
Everyone knows how bad the LSU Football special teams unit was in 2022. Kelly brought in Brian Polian to help. Polian is an NFL legacy and one of the most respected coordinators in college football.
However, the hire did not go as planned.
The 2022 Tigers failed to find a full-time return man on the kickoff and punt units. All year, fans witnessed muffed punts and holding penalties on kick returns, among the constant cringeworthy special teams blunders.
Suffice it to say that last season was as rough as it goes for LSU Football on special teams. Such has to improve in 2023 because, as we know, special teams success is vital in hard-fought SEC games that are often won and lost via field position.
The good news is that I have some reasons for optimism. Polian left LSU Football after being reassigned to an off-field role. Bob Diaco is currently in charge of the Tigers’ special teams. The longtime Kelly assistant has a plethora of experience as a special teams coordinator.
Moreover, Kelly reeled in speedster Aaron Anderson to help solidify the kick-return game. Word out of fall camp is that Damian Ramos looks more confident on special teams than ever.
Jay Bramblett said #LSU was set up for a 25-yard field goal at the end of practice.
— Wilson Alexander (@whalexander_) August 15, 2023
“Where do you want it?” Kelly asked Damian Ramos.
“53.”
Bramblett said Ramos made it.
Despite my optimism, the special teams concerns won’t go away. The reality is that it’s difficult to fix a unit in just one offseason. I need to see a few games without special teams miscues before I relax when the kickers, punters, and returners take the field.