The UCLA Bruins made a surprising offer to a surprising position this week.
David Dellenbach, a placekicker for Park City High School in Utah, received both an offer and a scholarship to play for the Bruins. Dellenbach, who recently played in the Polynesian Bowl, an all-star game played by the best high school seniors in the nation, is an interesting but rational target for the Bruins.
Now competing in the BIG 10, playing conditions will worsen dramatically as the season progresses. Rather than playing in sunny southern California or the Pacific Northwest well into the season, the Bruin will play in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota against BIG 10 teams.
As a result, having a talented kicker who is used to kicking in inclement weather makes Dellenbach a smart target.
Thankful to receive an offer from UCLA!! @Chris_Sailer @DeShaunFoster26 @KodiWhitfield @UCLAFootball @BrandonHuffman @ParkCityFtbl pic.twitter.com/OqMCbVJLYx
— 6🌟 David Dellenbach (@david_dellenbac) March 5, 2024
To compete in the BIG 10 in 2024, the Bruins will need to win on the margins. That means winning in time of possession battle, winning in the field position game, and, notably, winning in the kicking game.
If the Bruins’ offer to Dellenbach is enough to bring him to Westwood, UCLA may find themselves their kicker for the future and hopefully one who can make some big kicks late in games.