UCLA NOTEBOOK: LEISLE FEELS ISOLATED BY PUNCHING INCIDENT.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

UCLA defensive tackle Rodney Leisle was humble when discussing the series of events that led to his ejection for fighting in the closing minutes last week against San Diego State, but he also appeared upset about the situation.

The punch Leisle threw at an Aztecs lineman was caught by an official, and led to his NCAA-enforced first-half suspension this week against No. 18 Washington. However, Leisle said he feels isolated by the incident.

Leisle, an NFL prospect and the Bruins' best run-stopper, met earlier in the week with Bruins coach Karl Dorrell about the situation.

``It gets to the point where it's blown out of proportion,'' Leisle said after Wednesday's practice. ``It's a mistake everybody makes. It's kind of like I'm going to do it again. If I learn from it, I'm not going to do it again. I'm a senior. It may have looked bad for the team, but I'm not going to sit there and let someone sock me in my stomach. That's just not how I am.''

During the meeting Dorrell stressed the importance of representing UCLA with class, which is something the first-year coach impressed upon his entire squad after the Bruins were flagged for four personal-foul penalties against San Diego State.

If Leisle is ejected again for fighting, he could be suspended for the rest of the season.

``It's not going to happen again,'' Leisle said. ``I just think, I don't know, someone should have had my back. First of all, I'm a senior. I know what's bad for this program, and I can understand why you gotta say that kind of stuff where `It's bad for the program, you shouldn't have done it.'

``I shouldn't have. I shouldn't have done it. It just seems like now no one is sticking up for me. I mean, my parents do, and that's all that matters to me, really.''

Leisle was asked why he believed nobody had his back.

``Maybe I'm just over-exaggerating or whatever, but it's how I feel,'' Leisle said. ``I talked to my friends about it, but it's out of my hands. I can't really do nothing about it. It's above me. I understand why they're doing it. That's why I'm not saying nothing. I just go with the flow. I do what I have to do.''

--Ebell's answers: Tyler Ebell and his dad, Dennis, met with Dorrell earlier in the week to discuss the tailback's role in the program, and it appears to have eased the sophomore's mind, albeit slightly.

Ebell was confused about his role after not carrying the ball in the final three quarters against San Diego State, and Dorrell said that would be remedied. Ebell said based on practice this week he is confident he will be more involved against Washington.

``I know where my role is and where I stand. Now that I know where I stand, I feel better,'' Ebell said. ``I don't have any more questions going in my head. I'm pretty sure I know where I stand.''

And that appears to be as a backup. Dorrell said Tuesday that Manuel White earned the spot as the Bruins' featured tailback.

--Extra points: With his next catch, UCLA junior Craig Bragg will tie Dorrell and Cormac Carney for ninth on the school's all-time list. Bragg, who has 23 catches this season, has 107 career catches. ... Washington tight end Joe Toledo won't play because of injury. ... Huskies starting offensive tackle Khalif Barnes was recruited by Dorrell, who was a Washington assistant in 1999.

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com