The Damian Ramos era lasted four seasons.
He leaves LSU as the most productive kicker in school history. That’s a large statement, but it’s true. No kicker scored more points or made more field goals than Ramos. He made 129 straight extra points and connected on 69-of-87 field goals for a 79 percent career clip.
He probably wasn’t the best kicker in Tiger history, but he was dependable and productive. Now he moves on.
Aeron Burrell also bolted for North Carolina. He handled most of the kickoff duties over the last two seasons. Their departures mean playing time is available in the kicking game.
WHO’S BACK: Sean Perrett (Fr), Aidan Corbello (Jr)
WHO’S NEW: Scott Starzyk (Soph), Gavin Higgins (Fr)
WHAT WE KNOW
Scott Starzyk is the only kicker on the roster with real playing experience. Last season at Arkansas, he made 14-of-18 field goals and drilled every extra point, 47-for-47. He did not miss from inside 40 yards. He made two from over 50.
As a prep kicker, he was ranked as the best in the nation by Kohl’s kicking. ESPN ranked him second. The Texas native is 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds and was the projected leader for the position leaving spring.
Sean Perrett is a legacy player. His dad, Kris, played for the Tigers. Perrett played for Catholic High in Baton Rouge and joined the team as a walk on last season. He did not play.
Gavin Higgins is another Baton Rouge product. He kicked for Parkview Baptist.
Aidan Corbello’s father, John, made 50 kicks for the Tigers. Aidan prepped at Jesuit and hasn’t seen any game action in three seasons.
HUNT’S TAKE
It would be an upset if anyone but Starzyk became the kicker.
The reaction from Fayetteville was dejected when Starzyk decided to leave. He impressed in his lone season as a Razorback.
While not physically imposing, he offers plenty of leg, some SEC experience and a ton of consistency from inside 50 yards.
That’s really all you can ask for.
Perrett and Higgins will offer competition in fall camp. They’re talented players with roots in Louisiana. LSU entered the last three seasons with a kicker entrenched. That’s no longer the case. However, there is confidence that Starzyk can be a real positive on this team and perhaps the two or three that follow.
