Football: Football players elect to stay at UCLA

Two of the biggest questions of UCLA’s offseason were put
to rest on Tuesday when tight end Marcedes Lewis and linebacker
Spencer Havner confirmed that they will be returning to Westwood
for their senior seasons.

Despite stating they would return during the season, there had
been speculation that the two Bruins would still submit their names
to the NFL draft and receive feedback on where their professional
prospects stood.

However, both expressed excitement about the Bruins’
upcoming 2005 season and a desire to be a part of the football
program’s resurgence.

“I am excited about our future,” Lewis said.
“We played much better on offense last season. I think
we’ll be even better next year and I want to be a part of
it.”

“We have nine starters coming back on defense and I think
we will be very good,” Havner said. “I am looking
forward to an exciting senior season.”

In 2004, Lewis caught 32 passes and had seven touchdowns, a
record for UCLA tight ends. He was one of three finalists for the
John Mackey Award, which is presented to the nation’s top
tight end.

Havner led the Pac-10 in tackles per game with 11.36 and tied
for seventh nationally with 125 tackles overall. He was named
first-team All-American by cbssportsline.com and sportingnews.com.
However, he missed the team’s final game in the Las Vegas
Bowl due to arthroscopic surgery to remove a torn meniscus from his
right knee.

“We are happy that Spencer and Marcedes are staying in
school,” UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said. “We expect to
have a successful season in 2005 and these two players make us a
better team.”