This Winning Stuff Is All New to Leisle

Presumably all of the Bruins are savoring their 6-0 start. But no one is enjoying the success more than defensive tackle Rodney Leisle.

The redshirt sophomore has never played on a team with a winning record. His Bakersfield Ridgeview High team was new when he enrolled and went 0-10 his senior year.

Leisle became the first Ridgeview football player to gain a Division I scholarship.

“I’ll always be proud of that,” he said. “To be the first from your school is pretty special.”

Leisle, the only lineman to start every game last season, has emerged as a force on a unit many consider UCLA’s defensive strength. He has 16 tackles--second among linemen to Kenyon Coleman’s 23--four tackles for loss, including two sacks, and has forced two fumbles and recovered one.

“It’s an incredible feeling to win and to see all your teammates playing well,” he said.

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A kick coverage unit accustomed to Nate Fikse routinely booming the ball out of the end zone had plenty of action against California, which returned six kicks for 147 yards.

Audie Attar, a junior reserve linebacker, made the most of the opportunity, making four unassisted tackles on kickoffs. Attar also had two unassisted tackles and one assisted tackle on defense, giving him a career-high seven in the game.

“You go 100% on special teams for the chance to make something happen and this time we got to make some plays,” he said.

Attar, who plays behind senior Ryan Nece, spoke with his father a few weeks ago after becoming despondent over lack of playing time.

“He told me I could go through the motions or I could go all out and prepare myself for next season, when I ought to get a shot,” he said. “I thought about that a lot.”

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Cornerback Matt Ware went full speed during practice Wednesday and pronounced himself fit for the Stanford game. Ware sprained an ankle against Cal and was considered questionable.

His presence will be helpful because, at 6 feet 3, he is best-equipped to cover 6-7 Cardinal receiver Teyo Johnson, who had five catches for 95 yards, a touchdown and a two-point conversion against Oregon last week.

“It definitely will be a challenge,” Ware said. “The key is getting good body position on jump balls.”

Dave Ball, a 6-6, 265-pound defensive end who played basketball in high school, simulated Johnson in practice Wednesday.

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Fullback Matt Stanley, sidelined two games because of a high ankle sprain, is practicing full speed and will play.

However, guard Shane Lehmann’s ankle has not healed and he is doubtful to start.

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Stanford has given up more points in the last two weeks (87) than UCLA has given up all season (77).