Kicker Kip Smith to transfer from UCLA

UCLA kicker Kip Smith, who struggled through an injury-marred season, said he will transfer after the winter quarter.

Smith, who is from Broomfield, Colo., said he will look to play closer to his family.

“My dad has been sick, so I want to be closer to home,” Smith said. “The only school I’ve talked with so far is Colorado State.”

Smith, who was a redshirt freshman last season, tore quadriceps muscle in his leg early in the season and did not kick after the second game. He made two of three field goal attempts and seven of eight extra-point tries.

“I’m still doing some rehab, but I have started to kick again,” Smith said. “It’s getting there.”

The Bruins signed Ja’imi Fairbairn, a kicker from Honolulu Punahou.

A handful of Bruins players are expected to change positions.

Keenan Graham and Damien Holmes are moving from defensive end to outside linebacker. Anthony Barr is moving from receiver/running back to outside linebacker. John Young is moving from tight end to guard. Jared Koster is moving from outside linebacker to safety.