by By RICH THOMPSON , The Boston Herald

Punts, extra points and field goals are complicated endeavors dependent on precise execution, but are largely taken for granted by fans. A long snapper is doing an effective job when nobody takes notice. So far, Ingram has satisfied that very prerequisite.

``When the people in the stands, the true Football fans don't know Jake's name, that's a really good thing and I've (mentioned) that,'' said Hanson before the Patriots departed for London to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday.

Ingram was a surprise selection in the sixth round (198th overall) by the Patriots in April's NFL draft, because he was regarded as a one-trick specialist from Hawaii. The 6-foot-5, 238-pound Ingram entered the Rainbows program as a defensive end.

Hawaii coach June Jones ditched that plan during Ingram's freshman season. Jones considered Ingram too valuable to Hawaii's special teams to chance an injury as a reserve defensive lineman.

Ingram came to the Patriots with a marketable skill just when there was a job opening. Ingram has started every game and his success can be measured in other people's numbers.

Hanson is averaging 41.2 yards per punt with a net of 36.4 and those stats are comparable to last year's efforts with Paxton.

Placekicker Stephen Gostkowski is 16-for-16 on extra points and 14-of-17 on field goals. That was crucial early in the season when the Patriots were having trouble scoring touchdowns after getting into the red zone. Ingram's only stat to date was a special teams tackle in Denver on Oct. 11.

``It all starts with a good snap and Chris always has good holds,'' said Ingram. ``Steve is a very good kicker and it's nice to have those guys back there because they are veteran guys and I can place my trust in them.''

Ingram appreciates all the advice he has received from Hanson and Gostkowski. Hanson is the holder on Gostkowski's kicks, so the special teams gang-of-three is mutually dependent on each other to perform their individual tasks.

``They are always throwing their veteran tricks of the trade at me that I can use as a long snapper, especially now with all the different weather and circumstances,'' said Ingram. ``I just take whatever the element is and make the adjustment to where you are at, what you are doing or what time of year it is.''

- rthompson@bostonherald.com

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