Griffith Gets a Lift From Kicks

Chris Griffith has gone the first two weeks of practice without having any field goals blocked, an encouraging sign for the Bruins after the strange developments of 1999.

Griffith was an unknown and a walk-on redshirt freshman a year ago with the unenviable task of replacing Chris Sailer, a former all-Pacific 10 selection. Then Griffith became a pleasant surprise, making 13 of 18 kicks, including three from at least 46 yards, and all 25 extra points to lead UCLA in scoring.

There was one hitch.

All five misses were on blocks.

Trajectory being the obvious problem, Griffith went to work in the off-season to improve his technique. The change was minor--adjusting the angle of his shoulders as his leg connected with the ball--but could have significant ramifications.

“It’s more of a golf shot now,” he said. “A chip. More nine-iron than a four.”

In fall camp, Griffith has felt stronger and his adjustment has proven promising when facing a live rush in practice drills and scrimmages. That the improvement has come while his holders have changed, from then-senior Joey Strycula to Drew Bennett, gives Griffith more reason for optimism.

“It builds your confidence big time,” Griffith said. “And it builds the team’s confidence.”

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The big picture at quarterback has come into focus even beyond the decision last week to go with Cory Paus. The Bruins have two commitments from high school seniors and, barring unexpected developments, won’t recruit anyone else there for 2001 signings.

John Sciarra of St. Francis and Matt Dlugolecki of Santa Margarita have said they will come to UCLA next fall, when Paus and backup Ryan McCann will be juniors and Scott McEwan will be a senior. Sciarra has the tradition to match the potential--his father, John, was a star quarterback for the Bruins in the 1970s, including being named player of the game in the ’76 Rose Bowl victory over Ohio State.