It is interesting to hear a bunch of linemen talk about the
importance of friendship, togetherness and group outings.
But ask any one of UCLA’s four starting defensive linemen
about what makes them so successful as a unit, and they will tell
you it is the cohesion of the group.
“You need to get along with the guys you play with,”
tackle Rodney Leisle said. “You have to be like a family. We
like to go out and have a good time and on the field that
helps.”
The starting front four are all seniors, and each is a key
component of UCLA’s highly regarded defense. From the tactful
play of twin defensive ends Mat and Dave Ball to the energized
efforts of defensive tackles Ryan Boschetti and Leisle, each player
brings a unique style of play to the field.
While each has their specific traits, however, according to
defensive line coach Don Johnson, all four athletes possess some
general skills that make each so successful.
“They have a great work ethic; they play hard and
together, and they are all smart,” Johnson said. “They
possess all the intangibles you need in your front four. They
bought into the system, and all four have become technicians who
are fundamentally sound.”
When the Bruins face No. 2 USC this Saturday, the UCLA defensive
line, the self-proclaimed SWAT Team, will face off against a highly
touted Trojan offense.
As a team, however, USC has tremendous respect for the
Bruins’ front four.
“Dave Ball had a great year and has taken advantage of a
wonderful scheme. He is a tenacious player,” USC coach Pete
Carroll said. “Rodney Leisle is a good player inside as well.
They have a really nice defense.”
In terms of numbers, the unit is led by Dave Ball, who has a
nation-leading and UCLA record of 15.5 sacks this season (his 29.5
career sacks also stand as a UCLA record) and a Pac-10 leading 19.5
tackles for a loss. Mat Ball and Leisle have three sacks apiece,
while the 6-foot-4, 295-pound Boschetti has added 1.5. Together,
the four have registered 38 tackles for a loss.
It’s no wonder that the 6-foot-6, 275-pound Dave Ball said
pure aggression is what makes the defensive line such a formidable
group.
But beyond the numbers, the defensive line does much that
doesn’t show up in the statistics box but helps to change the
course of a game. The linemen do everything from making the
occasional interception to constantly putting pressure on opposing
quarterbacks, forcing countless other picks by UCLA safeties and
cornerbacks.
It’s those skills that have linebacker and fellow senior
Brandon Chillar calling them “the best defensive line
I’ve played behind or watched.”
Johnson has been the defensive line coach for three years and
was able to watch this group of athletes grow as players and mature
as human beings.
“I’m attached to all of them,” Johnson said,
wiping an imaginary tear from his eye. “We have a great time
together. They are respectful gentlemen. It’s kind of a
family thing.”
Mat Ball confirmed the group’s willingness to spend
quality time with their coach.
“We go to clubs all the time ““ coach Johnson has
some killer dance moves,” Mat Ball said. “He has a
’70s style you can’t believe. It’s hard to find
someone with those moves nowadays. You have to see it to believe
it.
“But he’s getting older now so he monitors himself
““ if he does the wrong move something will pop, and
he’ll wind up in a hospital bed.”
Both Dave Ball and the 6-foot-3, 294-pound Leisle have clear
shots at NFL careers while Mat Ball and Boschetti have outside
chances as free agents. Leisle has put up solid numbers and
displayed an abundance of natural talent despite being hampered by
injuries this season.
Putting the awards and the NFL careers aside, when all is said
and done, this group of linemen could do a great deal for the UCLA
football program.
“I hope that this front four establishes a tradition that
proceeds from this point on as a level of play that is
customary,” Johnson said. “I hope we establish the
position as dominant.”
While their career paths after college may take them down
different roads, you can bet one thing about the SWAT Team.
They will still find time to go out dancing together.