Ball Quarter

By Andrew Howard

Raymond Carter makes collegiate debut

Posted September 2, 2008

E-mail Howard at ahoward@media.ucla.edu

Redshirt freshman Raymond Carter made his collegiate debut last night in the Bruins' 27-24 overtime victory over the No. 18 Tennessee Volunteers. After missing all last season with a torn ACL he suffered in training camp, Carter said he was just happy to finally get on the field.

"I just stayed calm and relaxed. I didn't want to get too overexcited. I just been dreaming for this moment for a long time and I'm just happy with the results of the game. I love everything about it, my temmates, everybody. We stepped it up to do this."

Carter finished with game with 14 yards on 14 carries, the leading Bruin rusher in a game in which rushing yards were at a premium.

The most exciting part of the night for Carter is when he scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to give the Bruins a 17-14 lead.

"It was on the three-yard line, so I mean, you have to no choice but to get in the endzone. That's like the number one rule. But I just feel so good about it, my first college touchdown. Like I said, I've dreaming about this moment for a long time and it happened and I'm just thankful for it."

If Kahlil Bell is out for an extended period of time with a high-ankle sprain, Carter will need to play a significant role in the Bruin rushing attack.