Backfield Shows Its Depth

With UCLA’s opener less than two weeks away, the Bruins’ deepest and strongest position is running back.

That was evident in Saturday’s scrimmage when the Bruins’ top two backs, Maurice Drew and Manuel White, were used sparingly. Although UCLA’s offensive line had a few breakdowns with weak-side blocking, the Bruins effectively ran the ball with Derrick Williams and Chris Markey.

Though both players probably will remain behind Drew and White on the depth chart, Williams and Markey have impressed the coaching staff with strong training camps.

“I’m trying to show the coaches that they can trust me and that I’m ready for college football,” said Williams, a redshirt freshman from Bellflower St. John Bosco High who led the team in rushing with 40 yards and a touchdown Saturday.

“It’s been a while for me because I sat out last season. It felt good to be back out there running the ball again.”

Markey, a freshman from Luling, La., has opened eyes with his smooth running style and great vision. Markey, as well as junior Jason Harrison and freshman fullback Michael Pitre, give the Bruins a solid core of players they can count on to carry the ball this season.

“I thought the backs on the offensive side played pretty well,” Coach Karl Dorrell said Sunday.

“It was good to see Derrick Williams, who has had some injuries early in his career, have a good day. We didn’t want to see Maurice or Manuel take the load so much ... and those other guys did a really nice job.”

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UCLA may be without starting middle linebacker Justin London, who still has swelling because of a high right ankle sprain, for the opener against Oklahoma State on Sept. 4.... Offensive guard Eyoseph Efseaff did not practice Sunday because of a groin injury. Dorrell said Robert Chai and Robert Cleary played well in Efseaff’s place Saturday.... UCLA will practice twice today, Wednesday and Friday.