Las Cruces Sun: McClesky, Bear secondary has tough task grounding Air Raid passing attack

By Felix Chavez/Assistant Sports Editor

Sep 23, 2005, 12:01 am

With only three returning starters back on defense from last year’s 10-2 team, the California Bears were hopeful someone would step up as a leader.  The team didn’t have to look very far. Senior defensive back Donnie McCleskey, who has been a mainstay for the Bears the past four years, has stepped up and helped lead the Bears to a 3-0 record and a defense that has allowed less than 300 yards per game heading into tonight’s game at New Mexico State, which starts at 8 on ESPN.

“People pay attention when he talks,” Bears head coach Jeff Tedford said. “He’s shown a great deal of leadership. It’s nice to see him healthy again after missing part of last year.” McCleskey had a breakthrough sophomore season in 2003 with 102 tackles, including 12 for a loss and 5 1/2 sacks. But a shoulder injury hampered him a season ago, limiting him to 38 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for loss.  “I’m feeling better and I’m just trying to be as productive as I can every day and be there for my teammates,” said the 5-foot-10, 190-pound McCleskey, who tallied 10 tackles against Illinois last week. The Cal defense has limited opponents to 81.7 yards rushing per game and has recorded eight sacks in three games. The Cal defense is also known for its solid play late in the game. Over the past 10 games, the Bears have allowed just two fourth quarter touchdowns.

“We’re still maturing,” McCleskey said. “We’re aiming to get better every game. We have a lot of new guys, but players are stepping up and making plays. This defense, this team has a new identity. Last year was last year. We can’t look to last year for anything.” The Bears will take on a New Mexico State offense that is similar to Texas Tech’s offense, one that California struggled with in last year’s Holiday Bowl loss.

“We have to keep the ball in front of us,” said McCleskey, a first-team All-Pac-10 player as a freshman. “We can’t give up the big play.” McCleskey was a standout offensive player in high school Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, Calif., gaining 2,236 yards as a senior, but made the switch to defensive back without much of a problem. “Playing defense is fun and I just want to help the team in whatever way I can,” McCleskey said. “Defense is about making big plays and hopefully I can stay healthy this year and help our defense become one of the best in the nation.