UCLA’s Takkarist McKinley had a big night against UNLV

UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley really focuses on the task at hand.

McKinley was in hot pursuit of Nevada Las Vegas quarterback Kurt Palandech in the second quarter of UCLA’s 37-3 nonconference football victory Saturday. At the last second, Palandech flipped a wobbly pass that was intercepted by Kenny Young, who raced 23 yards for a touchdown.

McKinley was oblivious to everything but his assignment.

“I thought I got the sack,” McKinley said. “My shoe had come off and I kept going and I thought I had the sack. I was celebrating and people were yelling and screaming. I thought they were screaming for me. I came to the sideline and I hear, ‘Yeah Kenny, yeah Kenny …’ I was like, why not ‘yeah Tak?’ I thought maybe they were tripping. Then I saw the [extra-point] team go onto the field.”

McKinley finished with two tackles and blocked a punt.

McKinley, a junior, got a late start at UCLA last season after it was discovered that a summer class had been left off his transcripts. He was used mostly as a pass-rush specialist, finishing with 2.5 sacks.

McKinley added 20 pounds during the off-season and plays at 250.

“I’m able to compete against 300-pound linemen; I’m able to play football,” he said. “Last year, I was in certain packages as a pass rusher. Now I can be an every-down D-end and show the world what I can do.”

McKinley showed that he hasn’t lost a step with the added weight. He burst through the line and blocked a punt in the third quarter against UNLV.

“I was supposed to keep containment, but I got off pretty fast,” he said. “It felt like my track days. I figured I might as well take a chance and it worked out perfectly.”

Strong finisher

UCLA’s offense was doing a two-steps-forward-one-step-back dance in the first half at UNLV. Then Paul Perkins started leading.

Perkins had 82 yards rushing on UCLA’s first two drives in the second half. He also had an 11-yard pass reception that set up his seven-yard touchdown run. He then scooted 56 yards for a touchdown on the Bruins’ next possession.

“Paul has always been a blue-collar guy,” offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said. “You don’t really notice him sometimes. He just wears people down. I think he is one of the top running backs in the nation.”

Perkins had 151 yards rushing against the Rebels by doing what he always does. “He’s patient and doesn’t press,” Coach Jim Mora said. “If there is something there, he gets the most out of it.”

As for Perkins’ tendency to get stronger as the game progresses, Mora said, “He does a tremendous job taking care of his body. That’s important when you’re taking that many hits.”

UCLA had 273 yards rushing against UNLV. Nate Starks had 35 yards in six carries as Perkins’ primary backup. Bolu Olorunfunmi had 65 yards rushing in the fourth quarter.

Said Perkins: “I feel like all the running backs, as the game gets going, see the holes better because the linemen are blocking their tails off.”

The hammer

Nate Iese delivered the hardest blow for UCLA during the UNLV game. He caught a pass and flattened Rebels cornerback Torry McTyer, who tried to make a high tackle.

The 250-pound Iese, who plays receiver and fullback, said he didn’t even feel the 180-pound McTyer.

“That’s what you expect when you weigh 250 pounds and have a cornerback all alone in the flat,” Iese said.

Iese finished with three receptions for 30 yards. He has five catches for 73 yards in two games. A year ago, he had 12 receptions in 13 games.

“It feels great to maximize my opportunity,” Iese said. “My role expands as the offense expands. I like the looks I’m getting.”

chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter: @cfosterlatimes