Hicks Hopes Approach Results in 2,000 Yards

Running back Skip Hicks said Monday that he is setting game-by-game goals, but that he hopes the sum of those parts equals 2,000 yards rushing for his senior season.

Coach Bob Toledo isn’t sure that’s realistic.

“I think it depends on what kind of physical shape he’s really in,” Toledo said. “I think it depends on how many snaps he can play in a game. If he can go more without rest, then I’m going to go with him.

“But early in the year, it’s like boxing. You’ve got to spar a little bit, and having not scrimmaged, he’s got to get into playing shape.”

Hicks has been held out of full-contact work to forestall potential injury. UCLA used the same tactic last season, and Hicks--playing in all 11 games for the first time--rushed 224 times for 1,034 yards, a 4.6-yard average.

“He’ll get enough balls, enough opportunities, to make some plays,” Toledo said, adding that 2,000 all-purpose yards is more realistic because Hicks is included in the passing game.

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Declared out for Saturday’s season opener at Washington State: receiver Brad Melsby, because of illness; offensive lineman Oscar Cabrera and tight end Ryan Neufeld because of injuries.