UCLA football preview: special teams

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The state of the UCLA offense in 2008 could be seen in postseason numbers and preseason honors.

The Bruins’ only player on Playboy’s preseason All-American team? Christian Yount, the team’s long snapper.

Who is UCLA’s single-season record holder for kickoff returns and yardage? Wide receiver Terrence Austin, who returned 46 kicks for 1,109 in 2008.

Obviously, the Bruins punted and fielded kickoffs a lot last season.

Fixing the offense remains the No. 1 chore. The helpful news for the Bruins is that key special teams players return.

Yount is back snapping for field goals, extra points and punts. He has been a vital link the past two seasons.

Kicker Kai Forbath returns for his junior season, and is already more than halfway to John Lee’s school record for field goals (85). Forbath is 44 for 52 on field goals in his career, including six of six on ones 50 yards or longer. His one drawback is that his trajectory is low at times, leading to blocked kicks.

Austin is back, though the Bruins hope he accumulates fewer yards on kickoffs. He is also an exceptional punt returner, averaging 13.8 per return last season.

The unknown is punter Jeff Locke, who replaces Aaron Perez. Locke has a big leg, but has had to work on kick placement. He may also be asked to replace Perez as Forbath’s holder.

The advantage the Bruins have is Frank Gansz Jr. as special teams coach. He returns for a second season and his influence was obvious a year ago. Perez averaged 45.2 yards per kick, the highest for a UCLA punter since Kirk Maggio in 1989.

-- Chris Foster

Aug. 1: quarterbacks

Aug. 2: running backs

Monday: wide receivers

Tuesday: tight ends

Wednesday: offensive line

Thursday: defensive line

Friday: linebackers

Saturday: defensive backs

Monday: UCLA opens fall camp.