For much of the offseason, fans and media wondered how UCLA would possibly replace all-time leading rusher Johnathan Franklin. For much of the offseason, head coach Jim Mora insisted that the Bruins wouldn’t rely on a single back, that they would deploy a committee of sorts to fill the void.

Jordon James wasn’t about to let that happen.

With four rushing touchdowns through three games this season, James has already eclipsed his previous career total. Even more impressive is his work in the middle of the field, where he’s juked many a defender in open space.

The soft-spoken junior is currently fourth in the country with 141.3 rushing yards per game.

“Yeah, that surprises me,” Mora said. “That surpasses my expectations.”

What doesn’t shock him, however, is that the Bruins rank 12th nationally with 284.3 rushing yards per game. In addition to James, redshirt freshman Paul Perkins and sophomore Steve Manfro have also contributed out of the backfield. The two have combined for 156 yards and three scores on the ground.

Even senior Malcolm Jones, who decided to transfer out last season before eventually returning, has impressed in late-game situations. The 6-foot, 220-pound back has rushed for 63 yards and three touchdowns.

“We have one football and a lot of playmakers on offense,” Mora said. “I’d like to see Malcolm get more carries earlier in the game. I’ve been so proud of the way he’s played ... swallowing his pride how he did and performing how he has.”

The rotation will only get more crowded. Senior Damien Thigpen, third on the team in all-purpose yards last season, could return for UCLA’s trip to Utah on Oct. 3. He was regarded as the team’s fastest player before tearing his ACL, and has practiced without a non-contact red jersey over the past few weeks.

To best utilize all the backs, the coaching staff will likely have to use players like Thigpen and Manfro as occasional slot receivers, or even split out wide.

“We have to be creative,” Mora said. “But not so creative that we screw ourselves over.”

Not perfect yet

While he didn’t want to excuse mistakes, Mora made clear that he was pleased with his offense in Saturday’s 59-13 win over New Mexico State – even if it came with three turnovers in the red zone. Star quarterback Brett Hundley, who finished with 280 passing yards and three touchdowns, had a hand in all three.

On UCLA’s opening drive, he tucked the ball into James’ stomach and either didn’t pull it out fast enough or was too indecisive with what he wanted to run. James lost a fumble.

On the Bruins’ second drive, Hundley left his ball low and short, giving Aggies safety Davis Cazares a pick at the 1-yard line. He threw another to Cazares a few minutes into the second half.

“He had a couple of plays that weren’t good, but overall, he was excellent,” Mora said of Hundley. “He’s a big-time player. He’s got great command. We had 98 offensive plays. I don’t know how many he had, 70 or whatever. You’re going to have a play or two that are not perfect. ...

“Brett’s better than that. Brett will make better throws and better decisions than that.”

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