UCLA’s Ellis McCarthy could be a huge force on the field

UCLA defensive end Ellis McCarthy could soon cast a large shadow over opposing offenses. Of course, McCarthy generally casts a large shadow.

But the 6-foot-5, 330-pound human solar eclipse is only going to grow more problematic for offensive coordinators.

McCarthy was a part of nine plays in the Bruins’ 49-24 victory over Rice. He had two tackles, including a sack.

Humble numbers, but a beginning.

“I don’t know where his ceiling is,” UCLA Coach Jim Mora said.

A hint might come against 16th-ranked Nebraska at the Rose Bowl on Saturday. McCarthy, a freshman who had arthroscopic knee surgery in August, is expected to get more time on the field.

“We wanted to make sure he was in football shape before we gave him more reps,” defensive line coach Angus McClure said. “He has shown that this week. He is coming along quicker than I thought. He’s got his legs underneath him.”

Which could translate into more ballcarriers being under him.

As a senior at Monrovia High, McCarthy was ranked the No. 2 defensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com. He committed to California then flipped to UCLA in January.

A huge pickup for the Bruins.

“He is just a big dude,” said UCLA guard Jeff Baca, who has had to go mano a mano with McCarthy in practice.

Dealing with McCarthy, an offensive lineman “has to have leverage and power against him,” Baca said.

And if you don’t?

“You’re done,” Baca said.

The game certainly didn’t seem too big for McCarthy last week. He felt ready for his first college game in hindsight.

“When I came off the ball, I got more push on the offensive line in front of me,” McCarthy said. “That felt real easy. They were huge. The guy in front of me was like 6-7, 340. He was OK, but he had no push.”

But, McCarthy said, “I know it’s not always going to be like that.”

This week, for example.

Nebraska’s reputation for offensive line play precedes the Cornhuskers.

But it might not be long before McCarthy’s rep precedes his arrival.

“I don’t want to put a ceiling on that guy,” Mora said. “He has all the physical attributes that great players I have been around had. This guy could be a real force in college football real quickly.”

Whose house?

Mora said he is not worried about the large number of Nebraska fans expected Saturday.

“If we’re playing hard and playing well, maybe we can keep them sitting on their hands a little bit,” he said.

Nebraska’s last appearance at the Rose Bowl was a 37-14 loss to Miami in the 2002 national championship game for the 2001 season. The Cornhuskers won their last game against UCLA at the Rose Bowl, 14-13, in 1993.

Nebraska report

Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead remains questionable for Saturday’s game because of a knee injury. The Cornhuskers will have cornerback Mohammed Seisay back.

Seisay, a high-end transfer from East Arizona College, suffered a sprained ankle the first week of training camp.

Quick hits

UCLA officials are reminding fans that Rose Bowl renovations will continue through the season and to use caution at games. The construction on the west side of the stadium required portable restrooms to be brought in for fans. … Bruins defensive end Sam Tai had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left knee Friday. He is expected to be ready for noncontact workouts by spring.

chris.foster@latimes.com

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