As it turns out, being the Bruins’ go-to back comes with some drawbacks.
Through the first 10 games of the 2013 season, redshirt sophomore Paul Perkins touched the ball 131 times. He topped 20 combined rushes and receptions in just two games all of last year.
Through the 10 games this year, Perkins has 213 total touches and has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game four times. That’s 82 more chances to get hit and one good reason to be happy that UCLA doesn’t have a game this weekend.
“It’s good to have a bye, pretty much all I can say,” Perkins said with a laugh. “It’s a long season, and I’m just happy that we’re in the spot we’re sitting in.”
Perkins said he has felt the toll of those extra carries late in the games, as his legs have tired from the increased workload.
To his credit, he’s done a good job of hiding it.
During the Bruins’ current four-game win streak, Perkins has seen a greater workload and has surpassed 100 yards of offense in three of four contests. To this point, the running back has shown no signs of slowing down.
Fresh start
One player with fresh legs is defensive end Takkarist McKinley. The sophomore joined the Bruins in September after transferring from Contra Costa College.
That meant no added wear and tear from the team’s preseason fall training camp or UCLA’s first three games. It also meant a lot more time playing catch-up.
“We were a third through the season and he (was at) day one of San Bernardino (fall camp), so the learning curve was huge for him,” said defensive line coach Angus McClure. “We had to be careful not to overload him.”
As of late, it’s McKinley and the rest of the UCLA defensive line that have overwhelmed opposing offenses.
The Bruins regularly pressured Arizona redshirt freshman quarterback Anu Solomon, who completed just 37.5 percent of his passes against UCLA. Washington’s sophomore quarterback Cyler Miles didn’t fare much better as he was sacked three times and threw for just 155 yards.
“I think our pass rush has improved,” UCLA coach Jim Mora said. “(McKinley’s) a dynamic pass rusher, he’s a dynamic player, and now he’s really starting to settle in and learn how to play.”
Back of all trades
Following Tuesday’s practice, Mora praised a sophomore linebacker for his performance on offense against Washington.
It just wasn’t the linebacker most would expect.
Isaako Savaiinaea is the latest UCLA defensive player to have an impact on the other side of the ball after lining up at fullback against Washington.
Savaiinaea, who is normally an inside linebacker, has spent time at defensive end and outside linebacker while also contributing to special teams this season.
But he lined up on offense against the Huskies as a blocking fullback for the Bruins and saw more playing time there than on defense. But while Mora said that he thought the linebacker was a natural fit at fullback, he doesn’t plan on fully converting Savaiinaea to the other side of the ball.
“He just is a guy who will do anything to get on the field and he’s willing,” Mora said. “In my past, I’ve been around players who are a little hesitant to move, and I don’t find that on this team and I think he’s really indicative of that.”
Bruins move up
Following its 44-30 win over Washington, UCLA was ranked No. 11 in the latest College Football Playoff poll announced Tuesday.
The Bruins were the biggest gainer in the poll, moving up seven spots from last week.
Mississippi State retained the top spot, while Oregon, Florida State and Texas Christian University rounded out the top four.
Award season
Redshirt senior linebacker Eric Kendricks was announced as one of 10 finalists for the 2014 Senior CLASS Award, given to student-athletes who have notable achievements in the areas of community, classroom, character and competition.
Kendricks currently ranks sixth in the nation in tackles per game with 11.7 and is 22 tackles away from breaking former UCLA linebacker Jerry Robinson’s school record of 468 in a career.