UCLA Football: How Running Back Feels About First-Ever Bruins Touchdown

His fans sure appreciated it!

Sophomore UCLA Bruins running back Carsen Ryan recorded his first-ever NCAA touchdown in the first game of the Blue and Gold's 2023 regular season opener, a 27-13 shellacking of the visiting Coastal Carolina Chanticleers this past Saturday, September 2nd.

Mike Regalado of Bruin Report Online (247Sports) was on-hand after a UCLA team practice at the Wasserman Football Center as Ryan spoke with journalists about his eventful Saturday. Ryan ran in a 21-yard reception from an Ethan Garbers pass.

"It's a play we've been practicing a lot [during] fall camp," Ryan revealed. "Got lined up for it, saw the call, I... had to go in and do my route. I saw the [Coastal Carolina] safety playing a certain way so I just got into it, saw I was open, and saw the ball coming, caught it. Just ran in the end zone."

"I felt great," Ryan continued. "It was a great experience. First college touchdown, you know? I was super-excited. I had no idea what to do in the end zone for a celebration."

When asked if the play was designed for him specifically, Ryan offered up a noncommittal, diplomatic response.

"Well, it's multiple replays, we're just looking for where the defense plays," Ryan said. "I'm just happy out here to do whatever the coaches want me to, whatever role they have for me, [whether] it's blocking, catching... I'm just happy on this great team with great coaches and tons of great coaches [to] learn and keep getting better every day."