With a punter who pins opponents better than Hulk Hogan in his prime, a return man who’s a pair of gold sneakers away from being the Michael Johnson of college football and a kicker who hits from farther away than the elephant in “Operation Dumbo Drop,” the Bruins’ special teams ““ as odd as this sounds ““ just might be their most dangerous weapon.
Entering the season with a redshirt freshman kicker, Kai Forbath, who had to fill the shoes of All-American Justin Medlock, and a redshirt senior, Matt Slater, who would be returning kicks for the first time, it is safe to say the play of this unit has surpassed expectations.
“We’ve been a huge factor for the team this year,” Forbath said. “We contribute a lot of points, great punts and kick returns ““ all positive things for this team.”
For Slater, who is currently tied for the all-time Pac-10 lead for single-season kickoff returns for touchdowns with three, this season has basically come out of nowhere.
Before this year, the redshirt senior’s stat line was short: nine tackles, all of which came last season.
Now he’s become a legitimate threat to take one deep every time when returning kicks, while also working double-duty as a gunner with a penchant for big hits on kick coverage.
“They always tell you not to single out one player,” punter Aaron Perez said.
“You know, football’s a team game, but Slater brings something to the table that I’ve personally never seen before on special teams. We could go and watch him on film on Sundays.
“He’s phenomenal. Having him out there, a guy that’s going to give 100 percent no matter what, every play on special teams has really helped. If I just kick the ball, he’s going to go down there and bash somebody. … I can’t wait to go out there one more time on Saturday and let him loose,” Perez said.
Slater, always one to praise the 10 blockers ahead of him on kickoffs, did not expect to see a degree of success that just might be enough to get him playing on Sundays.
“I just wanted to work hard and go out with a good senior season,” Slater said. “But I never expected it to go the way it has. I feel blessed and I’m just happy to be a part of this unit. I just want to thank the guys up front for being unselfish because I wouldn’t be anywhere without them.
“After the season, I told them I’d take them out for a nice dinner. That’s what our plan is. Right before the bowl game, we’ll head out and I’ll get those guys nice dinners.”
In addition to Slater, Forbath has filled in admirably for Medlock, hitting 22 of 26 field goals on the season, leading the team in points scored.
“We’re very fortunate to have Kai come in,” Perez said. “You know, there were questions of “˜Can he fill the shoes of Justin?’ He’s been doing work. He’s been doing a great job.”
On Saturday, the special teams unit will need to continue its impressive pattern of both keeping opponents deep in their own territory and providing some offensive output.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that we won’t win this game if the special teams unit doesn’t show up to play,” Slater said. “We’ve seen that all year. We’ve been able to help this team win games.”