Kip Smith commits UCLA
Scout.com's No. 10 kicker Kip Smith, out of Colorado's Broomfield Legacy High committed to UCLA after his official visit this weekend.
Smith was committed to Minnesota, but his profile has risen greatly throughout the season, after he booted a 67-yard field goal earlier this year.
Does this mean the rumors about Kai Forbath going pro are true?
Just announced today Forbath is one of the top 3 finalists for the Groza award
http://www.lougrozaaward.com/2009finalists
I think the plan has always been to bring in a kicker in this class so he can redshirt and be ready after Forbath graduates.
Kicking Coach Chris Sailer of Chris Sailer Kicking's Comments:
Kip has one of the strongest legs in the country. A great prospect that shows the ability to do all 3 kicking skills at the next level. Member of the Chris Sailer Kicking "TOP 12".
Welcome aboard!
GO BRUINS, BEAT sc
Not likely. It means he will redshirt next year, and take over the job as a RS Frosh.
Rated the #2 kicker on ESPN (4 star recruit) and Chris Sailer thinks highly of him. Good enough for me.
Forbath won't leave, but he should. Why? Just ask Sam Bradford.
It is VERY RARE than any kicker would leave early for the NFL. They are not commodity like a QB, RB or LB. Wherefore, not likely Forbath will leave!
We're Kicker U, baby!
LOL! Bradford gave up 40+ mil guaranteed! Forbath will be lucky to make half of that in his entire career in the NFL.
Kickers/punters avg about $800K/yr. Although Chris Kluwe is making reportedly about $5mil with the Vikings. He's the #1 paid at his position! Go Bruin Alum, Chris!!!
I just hope Forbath has a better career than another Bruin Alum and All-American kicker, John Lee.
we need this guy!!!!! Great going Coach Rick!
Kluwe makes 2.3 million this year, per Fox sports.
I'm proud to see the great K TRADITION being carried on...Welcome aboard, Kip! And here's a special "THANK YOU!" to Chris Sailer, who has once again proved a valuable recruiter/alum!!!
I hope he's as good as Forbath and Medlock. That way, UCLA won't have to worry about scoring touchdowns. It can get down to the red-zone, run up the middle three times for no yards, then make the safe play. Why would anybody want to take chances and be aggressive when you've got such a reliable kicking game? I'd much rather have 9 points instead of 21, or even 14.
And by the way, to Mikey Likes It, you got it backwards. Quarterbacks are assets. They are valued, and one can't simply replace another. By contrast, kickers (especially at the pro level) are commodities. They are indistinguishable; one guy can replace another without much performance drop off.
From what I understand, a scholarship player can come back and finish his education at any time in his life.
That being said, what's the benefit to Forbath if he stays?
If Kai left, he might go undrafted. He can't reach the end zone kicking off in college much less the NFL and most teams won't burn another roster spot for a guy whose only job is to kick off.
It's not a question of what Forbath's benefit is if he stays. There is no benefit if he leaves. With the exception of good ol' Al Davis, no team selects kickers in the first two rounds. At best, Kai would be looking at a 5th round selection (which is great for kickers), but no guaranteed money. On top of a chance of not making an NFL roster for whatever reason in his first year, kickers don't face the same risk of injury that QBs do. He has the chance to be UCLA's best kicker of all time if he returns, as well as win the major award for college kickers (which he really deserves this year too).
what about the kid from loyola Barr? is he signing?