Dorrell Lays Down the Law

There have been two publicized arrests, players frustrated about playing time and a player ejected for throwing a retaliatory punch in a game.

Karl Dorrell is getting used to his role as head counselor.

This week, defensive tackle Rodney Leisle expressed frustration over the Bruins’ reaction to his ejection for hitting a San Diego State player who hit him first, saying “someone should have had my back.”

“He feels isolated because of how strongly I felt about it,” Dorrell said. “I’m strongly against punching anybody, and that’s something we discussed. That’s not the style of football we want. That’s not something we want in our program.... I’m sure he’s frustrated by how I feel. That’s going to happen every now and then.”

Leisle’s ejection will cost him a suspension for the first half Saturday against Washington.

Dorrell, in his first season as coach, is adjusting to such situations.

“Well, I knew there was going to be a good deal of that,” he said. “These players are going into manhood and growing up and part of their process in college is they’re going to make mistakes every now and then and you want to make sure you can support and at least advise them between right and wrong. That is part of my job. And that’s something I know is part of my job.”

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Dorrell said quarterback Matt Moore is about 90% after progressing each day of practice, but he held out the possibility Moore won’t get into the game his first week back after recovering from a bone bruise in his leg.

Drew Olson will start, and Dorrell said he might play the entire game, contrary to the expectation the Bruins will try to get Moore playing time.

Dorrell compared Moore’s adjustment period to training camp after being out most of four games. “It’s more timing than anything,” he said

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Steve Axman, UCLA’s offensive coordinator, was Washington’s quarterbacks coach the last four seasons.

Phil Snow, one of Washington’s two defensive coordinators, was the Bruin defensive coordinator under Bob Toledo for two seasons.

Who says there are no trades in college football?

“Phil Snow for Steve Axman, there really was no cash involved in that, or players,” Washington Coach Keith Gilbertson said. “Both parties are saying that it benefited us both. Hopefully there are two or three recruits yet to be named in the deal.”

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UCLA tight end Blane Kezirian is expected to play after sitting out a game because of an ankle sprain.... Tight end Keith Carter, who has been recovering from a motorcycle accident last spring, might be able to play next week.... Craig Bragg needs two receptions to move ahead of Dorrell and into eighth on the UCLA career receiving list.