Markey is now part of a rotation

Junior Chris Markey is still UCLA’s No. 1 running back, but his role as the team’s every-down back has definitely changed.

Markey, who leads the Bruins with 643 yards rushing, has gained only 54 yards over the last two games. In last week’s 22-point loss to Washington State, he split time with freshman Chane Moline and junior Derrick Williams.

“I’m still optimistic really,” said Markey, who rushed for a career-high 208 yards in a victory over Rice in the second week of the season. “You can’t really focus on that. The coaches are going to do things what they think is best for the team and I have no place to question that.”

Although regular backup Kahlil Bell -- who did not play in a 37-15 loss to Washington State -- is still hobbled because of an ankle injury, Coach Karl Dorrell said UCLA would continue to use a running back rotation against No. 10 California on Saturday.

“Chris is our lead back and he’s going to get the bulk of the work and the other guys will be substituted in there,” Dorrell said. However, he added, “We’re going to utilize all of the guys because they all have distinctive styles and each brings something to the table a little different that can help us offensively.”

Markey, who has rushed for only one touchdown this season, has not gained more than 100 yards in a game since he had 124 against Washington on Sept. 23. In losses to Notre Dame and Washington State, he averaged only two yards a carry.

Despite his declining numbers, Markey has not lost confidence. He said UCLA’s offense is ready for a breakout game and he’ll be ready if his number is called, even with defenses stacked close to the line of scrimmage to stop the run.

“I personally feel that I’ve been playing good football,” said Markey, who is fourth in the Pacific 10 Conference in rushing at 80.4 yards a game.

“I’ve been focusing in on my game, just the little details. Working on my reads because the last couple of games, I’ve missed a couple in the run game. I’ve also been focusing in on my pass protection too. I’ve really improved in that area. I’m trying to be a complete back.”

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Last season, the Bruins were one of the best cut-blocking teams in the Pac-10. But under veteran offensive line coach Jim Colletto, who replaced Tom Cable last spring, UCLA has gone away from that style.

“Cutting starts getting the defensive line thinking, ‘I don’t want them touching my legs’ and then they start sitting back,” said strongside guard Shannon Tevaga, a three-year starter.

“As a matter fact, I haven’t cut once, other than for screens. Last year, it was like every play we cut.”

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Middle linebacker Christian Taylor on UCLA’s defense wearing down after playing so many plays the last two games: “Everybody is tired at this time of the season, it’s game eight,” Taylor said. “The last three weeks, we played three physical difficult games for us and it hurts a lot more when you lose.... Guys just have to get themselves ready. It’s football.”

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UCLA senior Justin Medlock, who grew up in the Bay Area, leads the Pac-10 in scoring (9.0 points a game) and leads the nation in field goals, making 18 of 20 attempts this season. John Lee has the UCLA record with 32 field goals made in 1984.... Senior wide receiver Joe Cowan and junior cornerback Michael Norris, neither of whom have played this season because of knee injuries, have been working with UCLA scout teams and both are expected to redshirt this year.

lonnie.white@latimes.com