LSU senior kicker James Hairston intends to transfer following his graduation in May in the hopes of receiving an opportunity to kick field goals.
Associate Athletic Director Michael Bonnette confirmed Hairston’s intentions, but Hairston has not announced where he plans to transfer to, Bonnette said.
NCAA rules specify that a player does not have to sit out a season following a transfer of schools if they have already graduated. Quarterback Stephen Rivers also graduates in May and announced his intention to transfer last month, utilizing the same NCAA rule.
The Dallas native spent the past three seasons as the Tigers’ kickoff specialist, recording 91 touchbacks in 235 career attempts, including 48 touchbacks in 2013. He was the only Tiger to kickoff last season.
The move leaves LSU with four kickers fighting for Hairston’s former position. Sophomore Colby Delahoussaye served as the Tigers’ placekicker last season, but sophomore Trent Domingue and freshmen Cameron Gamble and Alex Kjellsten remain on the LSU roster in Hairston’s absence.
LSU begins spring practice on Saturday.
Update: 3/07/2014 (2:34 p.m.)—
LSU PK Hairston said, “I love LSU, my teammates & classmates. This is a very special http://t.co/RwAtr6IDGD thanks to Coach Miles for …
— Michael Bonnette (@LSUBonnette) March 7, 2014
Hairston con’t: “letting me be part of this fabulous program for 3 years. I am going to pursue a Master’s & hope to kick FGs my last year.
— Michael Bonnette (@LSUBonnette) March 7, 2014
LSU junior place kicker James Hairston (30) prepares to kick the ball Saturday night, Oct. 26, 2013 during the Tigers' 48-16 win against Furman in Tiger Stadium.
