Opposing fans think LSU’s Brad Wing is too cocky for a punter. There’s no denying he’s brash.
He has said he wants to “revolutionize” his position. Against Florida last year, he had a 52-yard touchdown run on a fake punt called back for taunting. He’s joked he can’t be flagged for trash talk because refs don’t understand his Australian accent.
All that bravado obscures the edge Wing gives the Tigers, the hidden yards LSU gains in every exchange of punts.
Consider that last year, LSU led the SEC in net punting with a 41.2-yard average and Tennessee ranked last at 34.4 yards. That’s nearly six yards per punt.
Net punting 2011:
LSU: 41.2 (3rd nationally)
Kentucky: 39.6
Auburn: 39.2
Vandy: 38.7
Ole Miss: 38.6
Mississippi St.: 37.9
Arkansas: 37.6
Florida: 37.3
Missouri: 37
Alabama: 36.5
Georgia: 35.8
South Carolina: 35
Texas A&M: 35
Tennessee: 34.4
A sophomore, Wing grew up playing Australian rules football, which taught him to place his punts. His pinpoint precision limited LSU opponents to 73 return yards -- all season.
He booted 18 punts longer than 50 yards, and backed opponents inside the 20-yard line 27 times.
Wing’s booming leg -- he had a 73-yard punt in the fourth quarter against Alabama in Tuscaloosa -- works hand in hand with the Tigers' dominant defense. LSU enters the season ranked No. 1 in large part thanks to its defense and special teams.
“No one appreciates what he has done more than the defense, who enjoy seeing the other guys backed up,” coach Les Miles said.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Daniel Lewis and Larry Hartstein, follow @CBSSportsSEC.
