Despite diminished role, UCLA running back Jordon James is contributing

UCLA running back Jordon James could have pouted. Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone had seen that from players in similar situations.

James entered last season as the Bruins’ No. 1 running back and had a blistering start with 424 yards rushing in three games before he suffered a severely sprained ankle.

This season, Paul Perkins has been the focal point of the running game and has a team-high 816 yards rushing. James has been reduced to cameos, a role he has handled well.

“A lot of guys might have been a little selfish; he has been totally the opposite,” Mazzone said. “He has been very unselfish with how he’s handled Paul’s success.”

Said James: “I just have to stay ready. It’s the same with everyone. You prepare like a starter. I watch film, I take good notes. I study the defense so I’m ready if called.”

UCLA rang against California. James had 28 yards rushing, 11 on a touchdown run in which he carried two defenders into the end zone.

When Perkins injured his right wrist in the second half, James filled the void. The Bruins were having success on screen passes; Perkins took two for touchdowns in the first half. James went 31 yards on a screen in the third quarter to set up a touchdown that gave UCLA a 33-28 lead.

James has 178 yards rushing this season. He has caught four passes for 40 yards. His numbers are down but his performance is up, according to UCLA coaches.

In the past, coaches have wanted him to hit the hole hard before trying to make cuts. He has worked with running back coach Kennedy Polamalu at changing his style, becoming more of a slashing runner.

“He has come in over the past two weeks and asked what he can do,” Mazzone said. “He’s running physically now, with pads down, being the north and south guy, making tough yards for us.”

James’ fast start a year ago had him on pace for a 1,000-yard season before the injury derailed him. He played in three games the remainder of the season.

“All the running backs, we treat it like a brotherhood,” James said. “We help each other with pointers on the sideline, what the defense is doing. And we stay ready.”

Chop blocks

Colorado offensive line coach Gary Bernardi denied UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley’s claim that the Buffaloes use “chop blocks.”

McKinley said Colorado’s tactics were “dirty,” and claimed they were trying to injure opponents by attacking their knees.

In a statement released by Colorado, Bernardi said, “We try to teach our kids aggressiveness within the rules of the game. We would never teach them to ‘high-low’ a defender. Generally speaking, that’s what injuries result from. We don’t teach it, and we haven’t been called for a penalty for it all year.”

Asked whether he had noticed unethical play by the Buffaloes’ line on game tapes, UCLA Coach Jim Mora said he had not.

Epilepsy fight

UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley said he would again participate in the Walk To End Epilepsy. The event, which is a 5K run/walk or one mile stroll, will be held Nov. 16 at the Rose Bowl.

Paris Hundley, his sister, has dealt with epilepsy most of her life. Hundley has participated in the event each year he has been at UCLA.

The event begins at 9 a.m. Information: https://efgla.convio.net.

chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter: @cfosterlatimes