Johnathan "Jet Ski" Franklin Right Before Breaking It Open For A 60+ TD Run, Photo Credit: Scotucla03

View full size photo »

Well I guess the question posted early this am is now moot. Christian Ramirez is going to be out of action for a while. From the OC Register:

UCLA tailback Christian Ramirez left Saturday’s scrimmage with a mild sprain to his right ankle.

He arrived at Monday morning’s practice at Spaulding Field wearing a protective boot, and getting around on crutches.

What was thought to be, and described as, "mild" by UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel on Saturday has become complicated. Now the Bruins are fearing a high-ankle sprain, which could leave Ramirez on the sideline for a couple of weeks. If you’re checking your calendar, that means there is a good chance that he’ll miss the Sept. 5 opener against San Diego State.

"I must have walked under a ladder somewhere," he said of is incredibly bad luck during camp. "I didn’t think it was that bad but after I left here (Saturday), it was bad. I really couldn’t walk on it."

Per the report there are no plans to take x-rays. I feel bad for Christian. Hope he gets healthy soon. The Ramirez injury means CRN is going to turn the Jet Ski - Jonathan Franklin - lose in UCLA's backfield (HT captainqtp):

Man, I can wait to see this kid out at the Rose Bowl. But things could get even more exciting as it looks like CRN might also be leaning towards using Blur 2.0 - Damien Thigpen - in his freshman season (HT BruinJD):

Neuheisel was impressed with the speed that the Bruins displayed during the scrimmage, particularly freshman tailback Damien Thigpen. "He can be an impact player," said Neuheisel, who also said he was leaning toward using Thigpen this season. Thigpen returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown and also had a 61-yard kickoff return.

This has the potential of working out on all ends. Let Ramirez sit out for a bit and get completely healthy. That way when he is ready to return, he will come back with a sense of urgency. He will have to fight and compete even harder to get himself action during game days. He will have to earn it the old fashioned way. Meanwhile, this gives an opportunity for kids like Franklin and Knox who have been waiting for through their entire redshirt year to prove themselves to coaches right on the field.

This will make the wait for kickoff even longer because I am sure I am not the only one who is getting tired of looking at the countdown clock on the right.

GO BRUINS.