Receiver Darren Andrews ‘a pleasant surprise’ for UCLA after injury struggles

Success hasn’t come quickly, or easily, to UCLA receiver Darren Andrews.

Knee surgery ended his 2013 season after eight games that were spent mostly on special teams. Then he missed the 2014 season after reinjuring the knee.

Andrews contributed some early this season, but in the last two games he has become a favorite target of Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen.

In a loss to Stanford and a win over California, he combined for eight receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown.

“Opportunity is everything,” said Andrews, a redshirt sophomore. “You have to seize it. God has a plan for everything. You’ve got to stay positive.”

That resolve was tested the last two seasons.

“I feel like injuries come with the territory,” Andrews said. “Football is a crazy sport.”

He admitted he had some doubts about whether he could return to play at a high level. “But my family and friends never let me get down,” he said.

Against Stanford, he had four catches for 100 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown. Against Cal, he four receptions for 45 yards.

He now has 14 receptions for 205 yards this season. Before this season, he had four catches for 52 yards in his college career.

“Darren has been a pleasant surprise for us,” offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said.

Andrews has grown into Rosen’s circle of trusted receivers.

“It’s about constant reps,” Andrews said. “You can talk about things off the field, about knowing where you are on the field and what he likes to throw. But after you get repetition, that’s when the chemistry starts clicking.”

What Andrews has learned about Rosen is “he’s not afraid to throw the ball down field. If it looks like you’re covered, he will give you a shot. That’s what we like as receivers. Even if the defensive back is there, Josh will give you a chance on a 50-50 ball.”

Oh, and one other thing: “You can’t take any routes off,” Andrews said. “If you think you’re just clearing a play for somebody else, he’s likely to throw down field to you.”

Johnson shines

Johnny Johnson, another player who has overcome multiple injuries, has also made an impact in recent games.

Johnson, a redshirt sophomore cornerback, has had surgeries on his right shoulder in 2013 and 2014. He had not played in a game until this season.

Johnson was particularly effective in coverage against California, winning one-on-one matchups with the Bears’ fleet receivers.

“We put him in a lot of tough situations and he held up very, very well,” Coach Jim Mora said. “It’s encouraging because he can do it and it’s exciting because of the hard work he put in and the adversity he has overcome.”

Injuries in brief

Mora gave brief update on UCLA’s injured players.

Running back Paul Perkins (knee), receiver Devin Fuller (head) and linebacker Isaako Savaiinaea (ankle) left last Thursday’s game against California. Tackle Conor McDermott (knee) and running back Nate Starks (head) did not play in the game. Linebacker Deon Hollins (knee) played briefly.

“There are no updates other than they are all really making progress,” Mora said. “We hope to have the guys who are available and the ones who aren’t won’t be.”

Asked whether he could break down that list, Mora said, “Nope, I can’t.”

Perkins, Fuller and Savaiinaea did little in practice and left early to receive treatment. Starks was not at practice.

chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter: @cfosterlatimes