UCLA fullback Trevor Theriot out for the season with injury
UCLA FOOTBALL
Neuheisel has said Chane Moline will replace him against Fresno State. But Moline has been subbing for the injured Kahlil Bell in the Bruins' battered backfield.
UCLA fullback Trevor Theriot suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during practice on Wednesday, an MRI confirmed, and he will be lost for the season.
Theriot, a junior who earned a scholarship after coming to UCLA as a walk-on, started the first three games. His absence could leave the Bruins with considerable problems in the backfield.
Coach Rick Neuheisel said Wednesday that Chane Moline would start at fullback Saturday against Fresno State if Theriot were unable to play. But Moline has started at tailback the last two games, subbing for the injured Kahlil Bell.
Bell, who suffered high ankle sprain in the season opener, practiced this week and Neuheisel said he expected the senior to play. If Bell can't, or re-injures his ankle, the Bruins will be down to two tailbacks, freshman Derrick Coleman and redshirt freshman Raymond Carter.
Aundre Dean, a freshman tailback, missed last game with a sprained ankle. Johnathan Franklin and Milton Knox, two other freshmen, did not suit up for last Saturday's home game against Arizona. UCLA coaches would like to redshirt both.
That could leave walk-on Craig Sheppard as a possible solution. Sheppard has received more reps with the offense this past week.
Theriot will undergo surgery after swelling in the knee goes down.
chris.foster@latimes.com
