From Misfires to Mastery: IU's Langston and Radicic Transform Special Teams Play

Langston’s Journey from Punter Aspirations to Snapping Sensation

When Mark Langston first found himself assigned the task of long-snapping, it wasn’t exactly his dream position. As a middle school student aspiring to be a punter, Langston initially misfired on purpose, hoping his coach would reconsider his placement. Instead, he ended up benched from both positions, setting the stage for a remarkable journey According to The Daily Hoosier.

However, perseverance through his earlier setbacks paid off. Transitioning from Kennesaw State to Georgia Southern and eventually to Indiana University (IU), Langston honed his craft, using a unique training method involving a mailbox target crafted by his father. This meticulous practice culminated in him earning an All-Big Ten honorable mention and a spot on the Mannelly Award watch list, a prestigious accolade for long snappers.

The Obsession Behind the Art

For Langston, the meticulous craft of long-snapping is defined by dedication. His teammate, new IU punter Mitch McCarthy, emphasizes that commitment to precision is what separates exceptional long snappers, viewing it as an obsession that turns the meticulous into muscle memory.

“It’s not just a job; it’s a passion,” McCarthy shared, underscoring the intense focus Langston brings to his role. This relentless pursuit of perfection is highlighted in Langston’s innovative training techniques and analytical approach to refining his snap accuracy and success rate.

Radicic’s Rising Range on the Field

Placekicker Nico Radicic showcased his own remarkable abilities during IU’s historic 2024 season, illustrating his importance within the team despite a relatively quieter profile. Setting records with an impeccable 69-for-69 on extra points, Radicic also displayed reliability on field goals, making 16 out of 17 attempts.

Although IU’s aggressive fourth-down strategies limited Radicic’s opportunities for more extended field goal attempts, the kicker invested significant effort into broadening his range. Entering the 2025 season, Radicic confidently extended his comfort range to 55 yards, presenting a new dimension to IU’s offensive strategy.

Broadening the Offensive Arsenal

As IU head coach Curt Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan continue to build on last season’s aggressive play-calling, Radicic’s expanded range could be crucial. His ability to confidently strike from further distances gives IU an additional weapon, heightening their offensive possibilities in crucial game situations.

Cignetti’s strategic plays, coupled with Radicic’s elbow room for long-range field goals, could redefine the team’s approach, especially when staring down fourth-and-longs from ambitious distances. The tactical integration of such skilled specialists within IU’s lineup could propel the Hoosiers to new athletic accomplishments.

With specialists like Langston and Radicic mastering their respective crafts, IU’s special teams’ play is poised not just to engage but to excel, making significant contributions to the team’s ambitions on the field.