Harris Makes Most of Chance

Redshirt freshman running back Akil Harris seized the opportunity to play extensively for the first time Saturday night in UCLA’s 38-31 victory over Arizona State.

With DeShaun Foster knocked out of the game in the second quarter because of a broken hand and backup Jermaine Lewis needing an occasional breather, in came Harris, who played high school football not far from the Rose Bowl in Monrovia.

He had carried the ball only once in his college career, but against the Sun Devils, he rushed for 100 yards in 13 carries and scored two touchdowns.

“I feel elated,” Harris said. “I’m happy I did a good job. I live around the corner and to get 100 yards is a big accomplishment. I waited to get this chance. I was excited and made the best out of it.”

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Foster said he was trying to straight arm an Arizona State defender in the second quarter when he heard a “pop” in his right hand. X-rays revealed a broken bone in his third metacarpel.

UCLA officials said a prognosis won’t be known until further examination today.

Dr. Richard Ferkel of the Van Nuys-based Southern California Orthopedic Institute said it usually takes four to six weeks for a broken metacarpel to fully heal. A lineman could return in a couple of weeks with a protective cast, but a running back who needs to grip the ball faces additional obstacles.

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UCLA (4-1) dropped from No. 15 to No. 16 in the Associated Press poll.

The Bruins have an open date this week before playing at California on Oct. 14.