UCLA kicker Kai Forbath to return for senior season
UCLA kicker Kai Forbath, saying that he “didn’t want to rush into anything,” has decided to return for his senior season.
Forbath had considered declaring for the NFL draft but after weighing his options chose to stay in school.
“I want to graduate, that is important to me and my family,” said Forbath, who is in Connecticut to accept an award for being selected to the Walter Camp All-American team. “I [also] wanted to take the whole next year to help the team and get bigger, stronger and get more mature mentally.”
Forbath, who won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker, was 28 for 31 on field goals last season and scored 108 points. He has made 37 consecutive field goals from inside 50 yards.
He is now second in UCLA history with 72 field goals and fifth with 291 points. Forbath has demonstrated the leg strength necessary for the NFL, making nine of 12 field goals from 50 yards and beyond in his career.
Su’a-Filo assigned
Tackle XavierSu’a-Filo has been assigned to Tallahassee, Fla., for his two-year Mormon mission. He will report on Feb. 3. Su’a-Filo, who started all 13 of UCLA’s games, could return to the Bruins in time for the winter quarter in 2012.
Help wanted
The Bruins are holding a recruiting weekend, which could help address the need at defensive tackle.
SealiiEpenesa (Honolulu Iolani High) and Ricky Heimuli (Salt Lake City Brighton High) are visiting the UCLA campus this weekend.
Heimuli, who is 6 feet 4 and 285 pounds, is the bigger prize. He is ranked sixth overall at defensive tackle by Rivals.com. Epenesa, who is 6 feet 2, 300 pounds, is ranked 47th.
Bruins offensive coordinator Norm Chow is heavily involved in recruiting both players.
UCLA has a hole at defensive tackle. Brian Price, one of the top defensive tackles in the nation, is forgoing his senior year and has declared for the NFL draft. David Carter is the only defensive tackle with significant experience who will be returning next season.
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