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SEC Football: Ranking the top special teams units for 2017

By Erich Hilkert

Sep 1, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks place kicker Elliott Fry (29) kicks the winning field goal against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. South Carolina won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks place kicker Elliott Fry (29) kicks the winning field goal against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. South Carolina won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Donte Jackson (1) carries the ball agains the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Jacksonville State 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Donte Jackson (1) carries the ball agains the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Jacksonville State 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

10. LSU Tigers

LSU faces a tricky position at place kicker with redshirt freshman Connor Culp considered the frontrunner but sophomore Jack Gonsoulin a strong possibility. Gonsoulin kicked an extra point and handled four kickoffs, but Culp is the more highly touted prospect, a three-star recruit.

Senior Cameron Gamble returns to handle kickoff duties.

Punter Josh Growden, another by-product of Les Miles’ penchant for Australian-style football, averaged 41.4 yards per punt in 2016.

Running back Derrius Guice and defensive back Donte Jackson were the team’s primary kickoff returners in 2016 and should return in the same roles in 2017. Jackson posted a team-best 23.4 yards per kickoff.

Related Story: Georgia Football: 5 reasons why Jacob Eason will be SEC's best QB

Defensive back Tre’Davious White was the team’s sole punt returner in 2016. Jackson seems the most likely option to replace White at the position. White’s 7.8 yard per punt average shouldn’t be difficult to replace, although he did score a touchdown on one 60-yard punt return.

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