Editor’s Note: This is the final in an eight-part series previewing each position heading into 2012. The LSU football team has a knack for producing superstars that come out of nowhere, and sophomore punter Brad Wing is just another. Though Wing was just a redshirt freshman last season, he was named a First Team All-American and was a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award, which is presented to the nation’s best punter. Wing was remarkably accurate in his first season. In 2011, 45 percent of his punts were downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. His average of 44.4 yards per punt ranks first in career average and fourth-most in a single season at LSU. When considering the quality of special teams players, Wing’s success isn’t surprising. “A lot of our best players in the past – Patrick Peterson, Stevan Ridley, guys like that – started out on special teams,” Wing said. “Everyone wants to be on special teams, so we always get the best players that want to work the hardest.” Wing and the punt team allowed just 3.7 yards per return last season. Though Wing was outstanding in 2011, he knows he can improve. “I’m pushing on to get better every single year,” Wing said. “Trying to get more direction is what I’m really trying to focus on, to try to prevent return yards.” Wing doubles as senior kicker Drew Alleman’s holder on placekicks. The amount of time that Alleman and Wing spend together in practice has allowed them to cultivate a relationship based on trust. “We have a great relationship,” Wing said. “We’ve got to have a lot of trust in each other to be successful.” Alleman said their time spent together on the field has led to a friendship off the field. “We have to be close,” Alleman said. “I have to put my trust in him because he’s holding for me. I have to fully trust him and I do. [Off] the field, we’re always together and hanging out.” Alleman had his own successes in 2011, as he was named to second team All-SEC and a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award for best kicker. His .889 field goal percentage ranked first in the SEC and second in the nation. Sophomore James Hairston will keep his position at kickoff specialist after he earned a spot on the freshman All-SEC team last season. Hairston took over kickoff duties after the Tigers averaged just 58.6 yards per kickoff and no touchbacks through their first three contests in 2011. Hairston stepped in and averaged 65.7 yards per kickoff and had 16 touchbacks throughout the rest of the season. True freshman Reid Ferguson will replace long snapper Joey Crappell, who started in 39 of 40 games for the Tigers from 2009 to 2011. The recruiting website Scout.com named Ferguson the No. 2 long snapping prospect last year. Sophomore wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will take over punt return duties following Tyrann Mathieu’s dismissal. Beckham and senior wide receiver Russell Shepard are likely to handle kickoff returns for the Tigers. ____ Contact Marcus Rodrigue at [email protected]