UCLA running back Nate Starks likes the on-the-job training

The decision by UCLA coaches to forgo redshirting running back Nate Starks can be looked at in two ways: Was it worth losing a year of eligibility for 22 carries? And how much better will he be in 2015 with a year’s experience?

Starks opts for the experience. He has 102 yards rushing and has scored two touchdowns this season. More importantly, he is gaining knowledge.

“It’s giving me the gist of college football,” Starks said. “There are great players at this level and they are going to push you to your limits. Getting the experience will help me down the line. It is preparing me to be an every-down back for future.”

Starks, who is 6 feet and 190 pounds, has had impressive moments where he has used his size to run over defenders.

“What I’ve noticed is he has big collision balance,” offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said. “There are times a collision happens and he comes out of that pile running instead of getting knocked over.”