<img src="http://128.97.251.217:8080/img/photos/2007/07/22/howard_t820.jpg" /><br><br>
E-mail Howard at ahoward@media.ucla.edu
Redshirt freshman Raymond Carter made his collegiate debut last night in the Bruins’ 27-24 overtime victory over the No. 18 Tennessee Volunteers. After missing all last season with a torn ACL he suffered in training camp, Carter said he was just happy to finally get on the field.
"I just stayed calm and relaxed. I didn’t want to get too overexcited. I just been dreaming for this moment for a long time and I’m just happy with the results of the game. I love everything about it, my temmates, everybody. We stepped it up to do this."
Carter finished with game with 14 yards on 14 carries, the leading Bruin rusher in a game in which rushing yards were at a premium.
The most exciting part of the night for Carter is when he scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to give the Bruins a 17-14 lead.
"It was on the three-yard line, so I mean, you have to no choice but to get in the endzone. That’s like the number one rule. But I just feel so good about it, my first college touchdown. Like I said, I’ve dreaming about this moment for a long time and it happened and I’m just thankful for it."
If Kahlil Bell is out for an extended period of time with a high-ankle sprain, Carter will need to play a significant role in the Bruin rushing attack.
<hr>Related Daily Bruin sports stories<br>
UCLA beats Tennessee in overtime| Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Craft brings back game in second half| Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Hold your highest hopes for next year | Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Starting off anew| Monday, August 25, 2008
Freshman Rahim Moore on secondary| Monday, August 25, 2008
Gators likely to take national championship| Monday, August 25, 2008
Reggie Carter is ready to rumble| Monday, August 25, 2008
Kahlil Bell’s new knee is crucial to Bruin running game| Monday, August 25, 2008
Who’s who on this year’s team?| Monday, August 25, 2008
Kevin Craft named starting quarterback| Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Quarterbacks vie for starting spot| Monday, August 18, 2008
Scrimmage shows strong defense| Monday, August 18, 2008<hr>