Kicking Game Is Preparing for a New Experience

The key players in UCLA’s kicking game are about as green as the grass they play on.

Justin Medlock’s first college field-goal attempt is still ahead of him.

After three years at UCLA, Chris Kluwe has punted twice.

“One two years ago, one last year,” Kluwe said.

And neither long snapper -- Riley Jondle, a redshirt freshman, nor Edward Douglas, a community college transfer -- has snapped the ball in a major college game.

Nate Fikse did so much for UCLA the last four years, punting and taking over the kicking duties at midseason last year, the Bruins will have to hold their breath as Medlock and Kluwe make their debuts against Colorado on Sept. 6.

“They’ve been here, but they redshirted and haven’t played,” Coach Karl Dorrell said. “You hope the game won’t be any different, but you know it will be. But we’ve been real pleased. I think they’ve got a great shot to be pretty good players.”

Medlock, a redshirt freshman, was rated the No. 9 kicking prospect out of high school by two scouting services and had a long effort of 48 yards his senior year at Mission San Jose High in Fremont.

Like most kickers, he has plenty of confidence.

“I’m good at anything from 60 in as long as there’s not any wind,” he said.

Brian Schneider, the assistant coach who handles the kicking units, said Medlock has a “very strong” leg but chuckles at his self-assurance. “We focus on consistency inside the 40,” he said, with decisions about range made game to game.

As for a long snapper, it’s a position that is rarely noticed.

“Until it goes bad,” Schneider said.

Eager to start, Medlock has looked up the school record that belongs to Chris Sailer: “Yeah, 56,” Medlock said. “I know it.”

Kluwe, a redshirt junior from Los Alamitos High, is a veteran by comparison, even if his only punts were for 44 yards against San Diego State last season and 25 against California in 2001.

“My turn is finally here,” he said. “I want to make the most of it.”

*

The quarterback competition remains “too close” to call, Dorrell said, as Matt Moore continues to challenge Drew Olson for the starting job.

“You’ve got to admit, there’s no clear-cut guy,” he said. “I thought Matt Moore threw the ball well, and Drew did too.”

Saturday’s scrimmage will be a crucial test, with a decision likely Monday or Tuesday.

“It’s definitely tight,” receiver Craig Bragg said. “Both have taken their game to another level. ... It’s very suspenseful.”

Center Mike McCloskey said he is comfortable with the exchange with either quarterback and isn’t worried about an adjustment period after the decision is made.

“Both are even-steven,” he said. “Whoever it is will have a hell of a backup.”

*

Freshman tailback Maurice Drew, senior tailback Akil Harris and linebacker Brandon Chillar suffered mild concussions and were held out of practice as a precaution.... Wednesday’s afternoon practice has been changed to 7:30 to 9 p.m.... Paul Mociler has a “slight edge” over Shane Lehmann in the competition at right guard, Dorrell said.