UCLA takes team approach in prepping for Stanford and top running back Christian McCaffrey

The honor of mimicking Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey in practice Wednesday went to Theo Howard … and Damian Alloway … and Christian Pabico … and Brad Sochowski … and Craig Myers … and Stephen Johnson III.

It took nearly half the UCLA scout team to help prepare the defense for what likely will be its biggest challenge of the season. No one has slowed McCaffrey since the Cardinal running back was held to well under 100 yards rushing in the first two games of 2015.

Bruins Coach Jim Mora was cagey when asked about who was playing the role of McCaffrey, saying, “Guys. Guys on our team.” Receiver Darren Andrews later told reporters who those guys were, noting that each was known for his speed.

Not that anyone could duplicate what McCaffrey will do Saturday when No. 7 Stanford plays UCLA at the Rose Bowl.

“It’s impossible,” Mora said. “He’s a great one.”

Asked how McCaffrey rated against the top running backs he’s faced over his 37 years as a coach, Bruins defensive coordinator Tom Bradley referenced Heisman Trophy winners Tony Dorsett, Herschel Walker, Marcus Allen and Ron Dayne. One thing sets McCaffrey apart.

“I don’t think anybody does all the things he does all-purpose: catch it, block, run, ‘wildcat’ it, punt returns, kickoffs,” Bradley said. “He’s such an explosive runner.”

Bradley saw that for himself last October during his first season with the Bruins. McCaffrey ran for a school-record 243 yards and four touchdowns during the Cardinal’s 56-35 rout.

The only thing that has changed this season is that McCaffrey might win the Heisman. He’s leading the nation by averaging 235 all-purpose yards per game, including 149 yards rushing.

UCLA defensive line coach Angus McClure marveled at McCaffrey’s patience waiting for blocks from his stout offensive line before finding the hole to dart up field. Bruins tailback Bolu Olorunfunmi said McCaffrey ran with the physicality of someone bigger than his 6-foot, 197-pound frame while retaining the explosiveness of a player his size.

“He doesn’t go down easy,” Mora said. “He’s like a pinball in there sometimes. Even when you wrap, he has an uncanny ability to get arms off him, and he always falls forward and I think all that is a product of this great competitiveness that he has inside of him. How can you respect the guy more than you respect the way he plays football? It’s unbelievable.”

Quick hits

Defensive end Takkarist McKinley returned to practice wearing a red noncontact jersey and was “making good progress” toward possibly playing against Stanford, Mora said, though there were concerns about his groin injury lingering the rest of the season. “He’s going to practice some,” Mora said, “but we’re just going to have to manage it.” … Tailback Nate Starks declined to divulge the reason he missed UCLA’s first two games. “It was just in-house stuff and getting my body ready,” he said. “I’m just glad I can be back now ready to go.” … Offensive lineman Paco Perez has returned to practice after completing a lengthy rehabilitation from knee surgery.

ben.bolch@latimes.com

Twitter: @latbbolch