UCLA’s two-headed monster at tailback may have just
sprouted a new head. In Saturday’s 37-17 victory over
Arizona, true freshman Chris Markey made his mark on the Bruin
backfield, rushing the ball six times for 32 yards and a late
touchdown. “Playing all my life, all I wanted to do was get
in the game,” Markey said. “Coach gave me an
opportunity, and I guess I made the most of it.” Markey said
that coming into the season he wasn’t sure if he’d
redshirt or not, but now the answer is clear. He’s here to
contribute, and as the season progresses, the Louisiana native
should act as a nice complement to tailbacks Maurice Drew and
Manuel White, Jr. “I was very, very happy with how he played
in the second half,” coach Karl Dorrell said. “We have
a very good duo with Maurice and Manuel, and now we know we have a
third that we can use to give us some punch on offense.”
Markey scored on a two-yard run with less than two minutes to play
in Saturday’s game. On UCLA’s final scoring drive,
Markey figured prominently, rushing the ball five consecutive times
and scoring his touchdown on that fifth carry. “It reminded
me of high school,” Markey said. “You never forget that
first one.”
STILL OUT: Though senior wide receiver Craig
Bragg suited up for practice Tuesday, participating in drills for
the first time since injuring his shoulder Sept. 18 against
Washington, he will not play Saturday at California. Dorrell said
Bragg looked good in practice, but he is still about a week away
from being able to play. The Bruins’ leading receiver still
has strength training to do before he will be able to play in a
game.
INJURY UPDATE: Linebacker Justin London (high
ankle sprain) and center Mike McCloskey (ankle) practiced Tuesday.
Dorrell said London still isn’t 100 percent, but he is
expected to play Saturday. McCloskey’s progress will be
evaluated throughout the week, but he should see plenty of playing
time Saturday. Defensive tackle C.J. Niusulu did not practice
Tuesday because he was sick. Defensive end Justin Hickman tweaked
his knee Tuesday and was held out for the rest of practice. Dorrell
said he would be checked out by doctors after practice Tuesday.
Defensive end Bruce Davis suffered a slight groin pull, while
offensive lineman Chris Joseph also tweaked his knee.
FALLEN BEAR: Cal senior Chase Lyman, the
Bears’ leading receiver, is out for the remainder of the
season. Lyman suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the
second half of Saturday’s game against USC and underwent
surgery on Monday.