Bruins tailback a happy camper

"I survived training camp," Carter said.

A year ago, he didn't make it past the second day. He sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a drill and spent the season watching from the sideline. Now he's in the mix, heading into the Bruins' season opener against Tennessee on Sept. 1.

"I can't wait," said Carter, a redshirt freshman. "I've been thinking about this for a long time. I had been thinking about my first day of training camp, but I got through that. Now I can focus on Tennessee."

In practice, Carter has alternated between the first and second offensive units, and he will also return kickoffs. Catching him will not be easy if he gets free.

He has fully recovered from the knee injury and has regained the cutting ability and speed that made him a state finalist in the 100- and 200- meters as a junior at Los Angeles Crenshaw High.

The injury robbed him of playing time last season because Kahlil Bell and Chris Markey, the Bruins' top tailbacks, missed games with injuries. Bell, who also needed knee surgery, is the Bruins' No. 1 tailback this season, but Carter is expected to see plenty of time.

"I've got to get more consistent catching the ball," Carter said. "Right now, I've been struggling with that. But I can't wait to get out there and show what I can do and play with the big boys."

Beefing up

Nate Chandler, who has made the move from tight end to right tackle, has been playing with the first team and is expected to be the starter in the opener. Still, the learning curve is a long journey.

"The thing that's been hardest to adjust to is the physical part," said Chandler, a redshirt freshman. "There is constant banging on every play."

Chandler said he weighs 275 pounds, 15 more than he is listed at in the media guide.

Lining up

UCLA announced its depth chart for the Tennessee game, with Micah Kia listed at left tackle. Kia broke his left hand during practice Wednesday, and his availability is in question. If he cannot play, Brandon Bennett is listed as his backup.

The rest of the offensive line -- the Bruins' chief concern going into the game -- has Nick Ekbatani and Sonny Tevaga at guards, Micah Reed at center and Chandler at right tackle.

John Hale is listed as the starting strong side linebacker. Dominque Johnson, Taylor Embree and Nelson Rosario are the top three at split end, with Marcus Everett, Terrence Austin and Antwon Moutra the top three at flanker.

Jimmy Rotstein will handle the kickoffs, according to the chart.

chris.foster@latimes.com