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UCLA Football: Former Cal Star Kicker Commits to Bruins

Originally posted on UCLA Bruins on SI
By James Brizuela | Last updated Dec 18, 2023 3:53 PM ET

The UCLA Bruins have been dealing with a number of players entering the transfer portal like QB Dante Moore, OL Jake Wiley, and WR Kam Brown. However, the team is now getting a huge offensive weapon in the form of a kicker.

Cal kicker Matee Bhaghani has announced that he is committed to UCLA.

Bhaghani will be a true sophomore in the 2024 season and brings with him an impressive resume.

In the 2023 season, he completed 100% XP percentage. That is coupled with an 88.9 FG percentage. Bhaghani also secured 53 points on the season and had a long of 43 yards.

Sometimes crucial games are decided by field goals and extra points, and the Bruins have secured a huge offensive weapon in that regard.

Bhaghani will likely compete with current Bruins kicker RJ Lopez. Lopez ended 2023 with a 54.5 FG%, 96.9 XP%, and a long of 47 yards. His 49 points are right under Bhaghani's.

Bhaghani having an 88.9 FG% is huge, and something that can greatly benefit the Bruin's offensive attack. Should Ethan Garbers not be able to lead his team down the field and secure a TD, Bhaghani can come in and split the uprights with his kicking prowess.

This article first appeared on UCLA Bruins on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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