UCLA’s Jaleel Wadood ‘wants more’ after making his first interception

UCLA safety Jaleel Wadood now has a couple highlights to enjoy.

Wadood intercepted one pass and deflected another into the hands of teammate Randall Goforth against Oregon State. It was Wadood’s first interception of his college career.

“I would say it was like a kid getting his first piece of candy,” said Wadood, a sophomore. “He gets that sugar rush and he obviously wants more. For me, I want more interceptions.”

Wadood isn’t new to UCLA’s lineup. He stepped in as a freshman, starting eight games after Goforth suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

But getting that first pick was a special moment.

“To get that interception takes a little weight off my back,” Wadood said.

It gives Wadood a preferable video clip to reference. His previous moment in the spotlight was not a positive one, coming on a Stanford touchdown on Oct. 15.

Wadood had receiver Francis Osuwu smothered, so much so that he was flagged for pass interference. But Osuwu somehow managed to reach around Wadood and make an over-the-head catch by pinning the ball on Wadood’s back.

“I knew it was heck of catch, a once-in-a-lifetime catch,” Wadood said. “I gave props to the receiver.”

That one play has not defined Wadood’s season. He has been steady in the secondary and ranks sixth on the team with 37 tackles.

Wadood had another opportunity for an interception bounce off his hands in the second quarter. Oregon State quarterback Nick Mitchell fluttered a pass and Wadood reached for it, but deflected it into the hands of Goforth.

“I could only get one hand up,” Wadood said. “It was one of those moments where I thought, ‘Dang, I hope another one comes to me.’ ”

It did, in the third quarter.

“I was so wide-eyed,” Wadood said. “I was just hoping I didn’t drop it.”

Mentoring

Wadood’s influence can be seen in cornerbacks John Johnson and Nate Meadors, who both have made key contributions the last two weeks.

Johnson, a redshirt sophomore, missed the last two seasons with shoulder injuries. He has moved into the lineup as a starter. Meadors, a first-year freshman, came to UCLA as a safety but moved to cornerback because of injuries.

Meadors clinched a victory over Colorado with an interception. Johnson had his first interception against Oregon State, which led to a touchdown.

“They’re doing a hell of a job,” Wadood said. “They both work very hard, like all of us defensive backs. There was no fall off when one of us has to step up.”

Miller time

The Bruins massaged their offensive line against Oregon State.

Kolton Miller started at left tackle in place of Caleb Benenoch, who slid down to replace Kenny Lacy at left guard.

“We’re always trying to get the best five out there, and right now Kolton is playing at a high level,” Coach Jim Mora said.

Miller, a redshirt freshman, picked up playing time in recent games after injuries knocked Benenoch and tackle Conor McDermott out of games. Both are healthy, but Miller had established himself.

“He has had those opportunities to go in and he’s played very, very well,” Mora said. “We’re always trying to find the best matchups out there and, right now, this is best match up for us.”

Miller, who played at Roseville (Calif.) High, is 6 feet 9, 295 pounds and athletic.

“He’s tall, but he can really bend,” Mora said. “He gets low and he’s got tremendous lateral movement.”

And that’s not all Mora likes about him.

“For a young guy, the things that really impress me about him … [are] his knowledge of the offense, his study habits and works habits. He comes up to the office before anyone else to watch the practice tape.”

chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter: @cfosterlatimes