Yesterday we heard from Coach Chow how excited he was to be part of Rick Neuheisel's UCLA program. Kevin Prince echoed that same sentiment on behalf of all his team-mates. Now it looks like they will have Kai as an added weapon to add to that excitement next season. He is coming back per Chris Foster of the LA Times (HT littlebrother):
"There were a couple things," said Forbath, who is in Connecticut to accept an award for being selected to the Walter Camp All-American team. "I want to graduate, that is important to me and my family. I 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 26 of 29 on field goals last season and scored 108 points. He has made 35 consecutive field goals from inside 50 yards.
Forbath is second in UCLA history with 72 field goals and fifth with 291 points. His has demonstrated the leg strength necessary for the NFL, making nine of 12 field goals from 50 yards and beyond in his career.
"I know there are some NFL teams looking to get a guy this year and I’m hoping that will be the same next year too," Forbath said. "But I didn’t want to go just because the opportunity was there."
Great news to top off a fantastic week for Bruin football. More after the jump.
During the bowl season (which was more exciting after the Bruins won their bowl game) time after time we collectively realized the importance of having a great kicker. So many times we saw team had to adjust their offensive strategy because they didn't have a dependable kicker.
I am sure neither Neuheisel nor Chow will be looking for an offense that will look to settle for FGs when they get in the redzone. At the same time, I am sure they are going to appreciate having someone like Kai with big games on the line. Here is to Kai getting opportunities to nail kicks with lot more on the line next season. That's the only thing left to add to his incredible resume he has built up in three great years in Westwood. Again, welcome back Kai.
GO BRUINS.