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UCLA football: Christian Ramirez still waiting for chance

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There is an opportunity this week for UCLA’s Christian Ramirez, who topped the depth chart at tailback when training camp began. But it appears he will be unable to take advantage of it.

Ramirez, a junior who was academically ineligible last season, has practiced little in the past month because of hamstring and ankle injuries. The Bruins, though, could use him this week, as third-string tailback Milton Knox was among the players suspended for Saturday’s game against Kansas State.

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But while Ramirez went through drills Wednesday, and was given some carries in 11-on-11 drills, his status is “questionable at best,” Coach Rick Neuheisel said.

The Bruins mainly used three tailbacks in the first two games, starter Johnathan Franklin, Derrick Coleman and Knox. If they use a third this week, it likely will be freshman Damien Thigpen.

Ramirez, meanwhile, will likely have to wait.

“He has certainly improved, but he is no better than questionable,” Neuheisel said. “Given the bye week, I think he’ll be ready.”

UCLA plays at Stanford following next week’s bye. It was during a 45-17 victory at Stanford in 2007 that Ramirez made his debut at tailback. He gained 55 yards in five carries, including a 24-yard touchdown run during mop-up duty.

Other pre-practice notes:

-- Neuheisel and offensive coordinator Norm Chow won’t reveal who will start at quarterback until the Bruins play Saturday. Freshman Richard Brehaut and senior Kevin Craft have split time with the first team this week while Kevin Prince recovers from a fractured jaw.

-- UCLA has a 22-19-1 record against Big 12 Conference teams going into Saturday’s game. This is the Bruins’ first game against Kansas State.

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-- Chris Foster

chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter.com/cfosterlatimes

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