Prisoner Delivers Strong Message

In a continuing effort to eliminate the off-the-field problems that have plagued his program, UCLA Coach Bob Toledo has trotted out everyone from NFL player representatives to FBI agents to speak to the players.

Two nights ago, the Bruins heard another cautionary tale, this time via video because the speaker, Henry Thomas, is in state prison serving a life sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping stemming from a 1991 incident in which he and an accomplice forced someone to withdraw money from an automated teller machine.

Thomas was a UCLA track and field All-American whose highlight was running on the 1988 collegiate record-setting 400-meter relay team. He sent the video to UCLA unsolicited.

“I just hope you guys were listening,” Toledo said to the team after practice Friday.

The video showed Thomas’ athletic exploits before cutting to him in prison expressing regret for his crime. He has finished his degree while behind bars and has learned carpentry.

“It was a powerful message and it made a strong impression,” said quarterback Cory Paus, who served four days in jail during the off-season for a drunk-driving conviction.

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Because he is the only experienced quarterback, Paus is essential to any success this team might have. So his strong first week of camp was especially welcome.

“At this point, he is ahead of where he was last year,” Toledo said. “He’s only had one poor day. He knows the offense and is throwing the ball well. Last year that thumb bothered him and this year I think he’s healthy.”

Paus, a senior who ranks fifth on the school’s all-time passing list, is in the best shape of his career. Among the five quarterbacks, he routinely finishes first during conditioning sprints.

“I really do have a different mind-set and a clearer head,” he said.

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Toledo said defensive tackle Rodney Leisle is questionable for the opener against Colorado State on Sept. 7. Leisle, who is on the Outland Trophy watch list, reported to camp with a sprained left knee and has practiced sparingly.

Leisle, however, said he should be ready.

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There are 22 scholarship freshmen in camp, making it difficult for a walk-on to make an impression. One who has is James Jessen, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound freshman from Santa Cruz.

Jessen plays on the Bruin volleyball team and did not go out for football last season. But he walked on during the spring as a linebacker and has impressed coaches this fall with his athleticism.

“We see potential,” Toledo said. “He’s an athletic guy and he put on some weight and got stronger.”

Jessen was on the kickoff team during practice Friday, lined up alongside veterans Ricky Manning Jr., Manuel White and Akil Harris. He is backing up Brandon Chillar and Tim Warfield at strong linebacker.

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The Bruins hold their last practice at Cal Lutheran today at 9 a.m. then will scrimmage at Spaulding Field in Westwood at 4 p.m.

The scrimmage is open to the public.