Devin Fuller wakes up Bruins’ offense in win over Colorado

UCLA’s Devin Fuller is rapidly becoming a receiver who will keep defensive coordinators up at night.

Fuller, a sophomore, had his best game since coming to UCLA in the Bruins’ 45-23 victory over Colorado on Saturday. He left vapor trails on a 76-yard touchdown pass, which shook the offense out of its doldrums, and later had a six-yard touchdown reception and an eight-yard run

It was his first multi-touchdown game for Fuller. And he had a big hand in UCLA’s first three touchdown drives.

PHOTOS: UCLA defeats Colorado, 45-23

The Bruins were struggling offensively when Fuller streaked past Colorado defensive back Jered Bell in the first quarter. Quarterback Brett Hundley heaved the ball and Fuller had to hesitate before snagging the pass at the 30 and sprinting to the end zone to give UCLA a 7-3 lead.

It was the longest touchdown pass of Hundley’s career. UCLA had not completed a pass for more than 26 yards in the last two games.

Fuller had 38-yard kickoff return in the second quarter to set up UCLA with good field position. He had a 17-yard reception on the 61-yard drive that ended with Hundley’s 11-yard touchdown run.

Later in the quarter, Fuller caught the six-yard touchdown pass. His touchdown run was off a backward pass from Hundley.

Fuller entered the game as UCLA’s leading receiver with 31 receptions for 318 yards. He had three catches for 99 yards Saturday.

Kendricks sits, James injures ankle again

Linebacker Eric Kendricks, UCLA’s leading tackler, sat out Saturday’s game. He had started 24 consecutive games.

Kendricks suffered a shoulder injury against Oregon last week.

Freshman Isaako Savaiinaea filled in for Kendricks.

Running back Jordon James, who missed the last three games with an ankle injury, saw limited playing time Saturday before re-injuring the ankle. He carried the ball six times for eight yards.

James was the nation’s fifth-leader rusher when he was injured against Utah.

Richardson returns

Colorado’s Paul Richardson, who entered the game third in the nation in receiving yards per game, shook off an ankle injury for his homecoming.

Richardson, a junior who played at Gardena Serra High, had seven receptions for 70 yards. That included a seven-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.

Fairbairn’s range

UCLA kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn continues to be inconsistent on long field goals. He missed a 45-yard try at the end of the first half, then made a 45-yarder in the fourth quarter. He is six for 14 on attempts from 40 yards or more in his UCLA career.

Keen observers

UCLA had several high-end recruits at the game, including four who have made commitments to other schools.

Bo Scarbrough, a running back from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, and Najee Torian, an offensive lineman from Galena Park (Texas) North Shore High, were on official visits. Scarbrough has committed to Alabama and Torian to Oregon State.

Bellflower St. John Bosco defensive back Jaleel Wadood and Corona Centennial running back Tre Watson were also in attendance. Both have committed to California.

UCLA commitments Jordan Lasley, a receiver from Gardena Serra, and Barry Ware, a receiver from Centennial, were also at the game.

chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter: @cfosterlatimes