UCLA receiver Theo Howard’s time may finally be here

UCLA Coach Jim Mora promised after Theo Howard made his first career touchdown catch against Arizona last month that fans would see a lot more of the freshman receiver. That time may be arriving … six weeks later.

Bruins receivers coach Eric Yarber said Tuesday that Howard “should see a lot of time” against Oregon State on Saturday at the Rose Bowl, based on the way he had competed in practice.

“Just like all the guys, they dictate their playing time in practice and validate it in a game and he’s had two good weeks of practice,” Yarber said. “The game plan has tightened down a little bit, so we feel good about putting him out there.”

UCLA played a season-low five receivers against Colorado last week, with Darren Andrews, Jordan Lasley and Ishmael Adams making catches. Yarber said the rotation going forward would probably consist of four or five receivers, Howard among them.

Receiver Kenneth Walker III has returned to practice and is expected to play against the Beavers after sitting out against Colorado while recovering from a concussion suffered against Utah on Oct. 22.

Howard has not played in two of the Bruins’ last three games and has made only three catches since Mora’s pledge. The widely coveted recruit out of Westlake Village Westlake High has five catches for 50 yards and one touchdown for the season.

Leaders wanted

The absence of Paul Perkins at tailback is being felt beyond the tough yards the Bruins aren’t getting this season.

Offensive coordinator Kennedy Polamalu said Perkins would organize running back dinners, arriving an hour before his teammates to arrange the seating and ensure everyone had a ride to the meal.

“That’s a self-starting leader. That’s what we’re missing,” Polamalu said. “And I’ve talked to the kids [on the current team] about it. [Perkins] used to pull them [aside] and do a scouting report. And then when I’d ask them, ‘Why didn’t you guys do that?’ they’d go, ‘Well, Paul wasn’t here.’ I said, ‘Well, now you’re the Pauls.’

“So they’re growing up and they have an opportunity because you have to remember they’re still young. But you want them to speed up.”

Perkins now plays for the New York Giants and his UCLA replacements make up a rushing attack that ranks No. 127 among 128 Football Bowl Subdivision schools, averaging 78.8 yards per game.

The Bruins ranked last in recent weeks before Texas State claimed that distinction by rushing for only 14 yards Saturday during a loss to Appalachian State.

Tricked out?

The Bruins have gone nine games without trying a flea-flicker, a halfback pass or a double reverse.

Difficulties executing the routine aspects of an offense might have something to do with the lack of trickery.

“It’s in our game plan,” Polamalu said of trick plays, “we just haven’t had an opportunity to really execute [them]. We’re just trying to execute the little things right now.”

Polamalu has received some criticism among fans for what they feel is a lack of creativity in his first season calling plays. He mentioned a backside delay tight end screen that UCLA ran against Utah and said the Bruins are always looking for ways to attack undisciplined defenders while staying efficient.

Quick hits

Right tackle Kolton Miller was back at practice for the first time since suffering a leg injury Oct. 1, though he was off to the side with injured players during warmups. … Polamalu said that if quarterback Mike Fafaul had to leave a game for a play or two, the Bruins would not insert freshman Devon Modster because it would cost him his redshirt season. But if Fafaul was sidelined for an extended period, Polamalu said, Modster would be his replacement based on his play during practice and his leadership.

ben.bolch@latimes.com

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