Unlike most starters, Chris Kluwe would prefer to be used as
sparingly as possible. As a punter, the more time he spends on the
sidelines, the better the Bruin offense is likely doing.
“Ideally, I want to be punting in the fourth quarter with the
second-team offense because we’re winning by 40
points,” he said. “Yeah I would want to go in, but, on
the other hand, I would rather see the offense doing well. I
wouldn’t mind punting once a game, or even not at all.”
Yet, although UCLA’s offense has moved the ball fairly well
this season, Kluwe has still emerged as one of the premier punters
in the nation. He currently leads the Pac-10 conference with an
average of 43.73 yards per punt and is one of 10 semifinalists for
the Ray Guy Award for collegiate punters. Last week against
Washington State, Kluwe averaged 50.3 yards on seven kicks, with
four going at least 50 yards. “The main reason I’ve
been doing so well is because of the punt team,” Kluwe said.
“Those guys really run down there and get down after it.
That’s the main element. Anyone can kick the ball hard, but
you have to have 10 guys run down after it.” In the past six
games, only 10 of Kluwe’s 35 punts have been returned. And
returners are averaging just four yards per return during this
period. “Kluwe’s been great,” coach Karl Dorrell
said. “He’s done a great job. He’s had great hang
time in his kicks. Our gunners have done a great job of covering
the kick returners. He’s pinned some kicks inside the 20-yard
line. He’s done some really good things.” But still,
the senior punter gives credit to his teammates and their renewed
resolve for special teams. “I think guys are understanding,
especially after last season, that special teams are really
important. It’s just as important as an offensive or
defensive play. It can make a big difference in the
game.”
INJURY REPORT: After UCLA suffered an array of
injuries in Saturday’s game against Washington State, several
players did not practice Tuesday. Tackle Ed Blanton (mild
concussion) is listed as day-to-day … tailback Maurice Drew
(ankle sprain) is also day-to-day, but the severity of his injury
is less serious than previously thought … center Mike McCloskey
(mild concussion) has been cleared to practice today after doing
conditioning drills Tuesday … tight end Marcedes Lewis (tailbone)
also did not practice on Tuesday but will participate in
non-contact drills today.