UCLA Football: Kicker Tyler Gonzalez added to the Bruins’ roster

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Tyler Gonzalez is now a member of the UCLA football team.

The Bruins added the senior to their roster as a kicker, an indication that kicker Kip Smith is iffy for Saturday’s game against Texas.

Three days ago, Gonzalez was known only as the team manager for UCLA’s men’s soccer team. Now he is in line to be the Bruins’ backup kicker in a nationally televised game at the Rose Bowl.

Punter Jeff Locke is expected to handle field goals and extra points if Smith can’t kick.

Gonzalez, the roommate of a UCLA football staff member, tried out during practices the past two days. He made five of seven field-goal attempts, including a 40-yard attempt at the end of the two-minute drill on Wednesday while players stood around him screaming.

Gonzalez was a third-team All-Southern Section selection as a soccer player at Fullerton High School. He spent once season as a kicker for the football team, finishing with six field goals.

MORE:

USC struggling to put up points

Video: Gary Klein previews USC-Syracuse

Trojans play most ‘academically prestigious schedule’

-- Chris Foster