Lockett wants to play right now

UCLA strong safety Bret Lockett watched from the sidelines Monday as the Bruins beat Tennessee and tried to be involved. He was limited to offering advice.

It was not completely satisfying, but it helped.

"Initially, I came out for warmups and saw the ESPN camera over the field, I was like, 'Wow, this is not a game to miss,' " said Lockett, who was suspended for the game because of academic reasons. "It was hard. But as the game wore on, I felt like I had to help get the guys through this. I started talking to everybody, special teams, defense."

Next week, Lockett can speak with his actions.

Lockett moved right back in with the first-team defense this week, as the Bruins, who don't play this week, began initial preparations to play 15th-ranked Brigham Young on Sept. 13.

"I really wish we had a game this week," Lockett said. "But I guess it is good for me. I didn't take a lot of reps the last couple weeks. I can get back into shape."

Lockett made one start last season, against BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl, and was used extensively throughout the season as Chris Horton's backup.

"This week is a chance for Bret to reconnect with everybody," defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker said. "He's been around practice, but we were getting our other guys ready [for Tennessee]. Missing Bret didn't kill us, but he'll blend right back in."

Rahim Moore, who started in place of Lockett, credited Lockett for helping him through the Tennessee game. Moore played free safety, with Aaron Ware moving into Lockett's strong safety spot.

Moore recovered a Tennessee fumble on the UCLA six-yard line.

"Bret was talking to me throughout the game," Moore said. "He's my daddy, big brother. He looks out for me, and when I'm wrong, he tells me I'm wrong. When I'm right, he lets me know I'm right.

"All game, he was telling me, 'Rahim, this is like practice but faster. You're ready for this.' "

Back to back

With tailback Kahlil Bell recovering from a high ankle sprain, and Chane Moline and Raymond Carter -- Bell's backups -- fighting through minor dings, the Bruins are getting freshmen Aundre Dean and Johnathan Franklin up to speed.

Dean was listed as the fourth tailback for the opener, though he did not play.

"You just never know, so you have to be ready at all times," Dean said. "You have to show it on the practice field so they know you can do it."