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Nate Starks seems to fit in UCLA’s backfield

UCLA running back Nate Starks, No. 23, and defensive back Tahaan Goodman, No. 21, walk off the field after the Bruins' 28-20 win over Virginia on Saturday at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va.
UCLA running back Nate Starks, No. 23, and defensive back Tahaan Goodman, No. 21, walk off the field after the Bruins’ 28-20 win over Virginia on Saturday at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va.
(Andrew Shurtleff / Associated Press)
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The loss of running back Steven Manfro has left a hole in the UCLA lineup. Freshman Nate Starks appears to be the guy who can fill it.

Manfro was lost for the season when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament Tuesday. He was part of the Bruins’ three-man rotation at running back, along with Jordon James and Paul Perkins.

“He’s an awesome kid and it’s too bad for him,” offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said. “We have to have some guys step up and give us the production Steven gave us.”

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Starks seems the likely candidate when the Bruins play Memphis on Saturday.

Starks, James and Perkins were the only running backs not in scout team jerseys this week. He was also impressive in practices leading up to last Saturday’s game at Virginia.

Stark, 6 feet and 190 pounds, would give the Bruins a little more size at running back.

“I don’t know who it’s going to be yet,” Mazzone said. “It’s a trial basis right now.”

Mazzone did say that it would be “fun to watch” Starks play Saturday.

“He’s a little bigger kid for us,” Mazzone said. “It would be fun to hand him the ball.”

Twitter: @cfosterlatimes

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