Feature article on Brett Leonard

HSB Note: "Leonard entered the program at tackle and was the backup on the left side for much of last season behind Aaron Kia. While he stayed ready to jump into the mix if needed, Leonard ended up redshirting and preserving his junior season. After getting a look at guard on the scout team during the season, he's adjusting to the rugged life of an interior lineman while working with the first unit at left guard so far in spring practice."

About moving from tackle to guard, Brett Leonard said:
"It's more nasty. You can be a good tackle just having patience and good feet. At guard you have to be a brawler. You get to pull more, you get to hit more." (HSB)

About having Leonard portray Idaho's All-WAC guard for the scout team, Gordy Shaw said:
"He moved inside depending on the opponent and wherever their best player was we'd put Brett there. After two or three times playing inside that week he came up to me and said, 'Have you ever thought of me as a guard?' ... He said he'd like to give it a shot this spring and he's getting his opportunity right now. The guard position in our offense is much more complicated, much more detail oriented to learn. He's done a very good job with his assignments so far." (HSB)

About how he benefited from playing against the starting OL when he was on the scout team, Leonard said:
"I couldn't take sitting around watching people, and I'm glad I did that because I went against (former UH defensive end Fetaiagogo) Fonoti every day and guys like Tuika (Tufaga) and Rocky (Savaiigaea). (Fonoti) was probably the best D-end I've ever played, and I played some good ones in JC. But he had a motor like no one else." (HSB)

Praising Leonard's work ethic, Vaughn Meatoga said:
"He's one of the hardest working guys I've ever seen. When we run, he's in the front. When we lift he gives his all in whatever he does. He's real humble and when it's time to work he works above and beyond." (HSB)

HSB Note: "With the Warriors replacing four starters, Leonard and senior Adrian Thomas have been the first guards in the offensive line, with senior Kainoa LaCount and junior Austin Hansen, the lone returning starter, at the tackles. Junior Sila Lefiti has been the top center, but sat out yesterday's practice with a bruised thigh and Bronson Tiwanak took the first-unit snaps. Lefiti expects to be back for tomorrow's practice."

About their new starting OL, Leonard said:
"It's all new blood, but it's pretty much the second team from last year, so we have that cohesion going." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100406_UHs_Leonard_new_to_top_unit.html