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Tailback Tyler Ebell will likely be out for the Silicon Valley Classic on Dec. 30 with a left shoulder injury that may require surgery. UCLA could also be in a world of hurt if the sophomore were to transfer at the season's end.

With quarterback Matt Moore having left school to transfer and backup John Sciarra thinking over a similar move, rumors abound that Ebell will follow suit. This, despite the fact that since Ebell has used up his redshirt year, by NCAA rules, he would only have one season left to play if he were to transfer to a Division I-A school.

Teammates have reportedly said Ebell is unhappy with his role in the offense after a breakout redshirt freshman season in which he rushed for 994 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ebell has since rushed for just 501 yards and two touchdowns, splitting carries with true freshman Maurice Drew, who ended up being the Bruins' leading rusher.

That Ebell has declined interviews with the media this week seems to lend credence to the idea of him feeling discontent. But first-year running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who recruited Drew, offered a different outlook on the situation.

"Me and Tyler, we talked," Bieniemy said. "He's a happy camper. Obviously every player wants to carry the ball, but he chose this university for a reason. This is where his home is. Tyler is going to be a Bruin."

Ebell, along with his father, had also met with coach Karl Dorrell earlier in the season about playing time issues.

"I'm not letting (Ebell) go anywhere," Bieniemy said, laughing. "Even if (transferring) did come up, I'll put him in a headlock and force him to stay.

"Things haven't gone Tyler's way, but one thing that he has done is be a tremendous warrior for us. He comes to work every single day. Players like that are going to carry this program into the future,” said Bieniemy.

HARRISON'S RETURN: With Ebell doubtful, sophomore Jason Harrison, playing behind Drew and senior Akil Harris, will see some action during the bowl game at tailback and on special teams. It will mark the San Jose native's return from multiple off-season knee surgeries that resulted from him tearing ligaments during a kickoff return in last year's Las Vegas Bowl.

"The mental anguish (Harrison) persevered through speaks for itself,"

Bieniemy said. "This kid here is just a tremendous workaholic. I'm happy that he's healthy and ready to go."

Harrison, however, was said to be coming down with the flu. The bug also caused Harris, defensive tackle Dave Ball, cornerbacks Marcus Cassel and Matt Clark and punter Chris Kluwe to sit out practice in recent days.

MORE INJURIES: Free safety Ben Emanuel has not practiced this week due to the groin he injured during the USC game. Dorrell said his chances of playing in the bowl game were "50-50 at best."

Guard Steven Vieira tweaked his left knee Saturday during an individual drill and spent the rest of practice on crutches. X-rays were negative, and Vieira is questionable for the bowl.

TROUBLE BRUIN: Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Alex Potasi has been suspended indefinitely from the team since the Nov. 15 Oregon game for breaking a team rule. Dorrell did not elaborate on the nature of the violation but said it was not crime-related.