Linebacker stepping up by stepping back

Linebacker Spencer Havner was UCLA’s most decorated
defensive player last year. So how does the senior plan on
improving for the upcoming 2005 season? He’s going to try to
make fewer tackles, naturally. Last season, it was a rare occasion
when Havner wasn’t involved in a defensive play, as the
senior recorded an astounding 125 tackles, 46 more than safety
Jarrad Page, who ranked second on the team in tackles. “That
many tackles isn’t always so good,” Havner said.
“Oh most definitely I’d love to see him with less
tackles,” UCLA defensive coordinator Larry Kerr said. A look
at the overall numbers explains why. Though Havner was tallying
nearly double-digit tackles every Saturday, UCLA’s defense
was still among the most porous in the country, ranking dead last
in the Pac-10 in rushing defense (210.1 yards per game) and total
defense (432.9 ypg). That’s why this year the Bruins are more
than willing to see Havner’s number of tackles significantly
decrease, but only if the statistical drop is accompanied by
improvement in the overall defense. Which means more tackles for
everyone except Havner. “He had to make some plays that
hopefully someone else would have made last year, and this year we
have more guys capable of making those plays,” Kerr said.
“We have progressed from where we were last year in that
area, thankfully.” “I’m thinking the tackles will
be distributed much more, which should make us a better
defense,” Havner said. And the person who Havner expects to
steal most of his tackles is fellow linebacker Justin London.
Having spent most of the 2004 season nursing a sprained right ankle
that he injured in fall practice a year ago, London, who registered
57 tackles last year, returns this season finally healthy and
looking to make up for lost time. Already in fall practice, London
led all players in tackles in UCLA’s only official scrimmage
and delivered a hit in practice so hard to Marcus Everett that he
separated the receiver’s right shoulder. “It’s
nice to have Justin back,” Havner said. “You notice the
difference when he’s out there. He just brings intensity to
the game that is unparalleled. Just a combination of him and myself
together is a good mix. “Both me and him can have a 100-plus
tackle year, have a great defense, and that’s fine with
me.” With 103 tackles, Havner will overtake Don Rogers for
second place on UCLA’s all-time list for tackles. He’ll
need 166 tackles to surpass Jerry Robinson for first.

HALF BOWL: UCLA will enjoy an abnormally long homestand when
they play three consecutive games at the Rose Bowl after their
season opener at San Diego State. Each of those home games,
however, will take place before the first week of fall quarter
begins, which could make for a smaller student cheering section.
During the last three seasons, the Bruins have averaged a little
over 53,000 fans for games before fall quarter officially
commences, while averaging more than 65,000 for games played after
classes are in session. “It sort of stinks we play all these
games and none of the students are here,” London said.
“But I hope winning a couple of games early on will urge them
to come out and support us.” But don’t expect the
attendance to be waning that much when national powerhouse Oklahoma
comes to Pasadena. The last time UCLA played an opponent at home
similar to Oklahoma’s caliber was in 2001 when the Bruins
played Michigan. That game was played in front of 88,044 fans at
the Rose Bowl.

SECONDARY SET: Coach Karl Dorrell announced on Thursday
afternoon that Marcus Cassel and Trey Brown will be working with
the first team in preparation for the season opener. Both Cassell
and Brown had been competing with Michael Norris, Byron Velega and
Rodney Van throughout training camp for a starting spot. “At
this point, Marcus and Trey have shown more than anyone
else,” Dorrell said. “But we had great depth at that
position and we plan to use all the players available.” Both
Brown and Cassell started games for the Bruins last season. Brown
replaced Cassell during the second half of last season after
Cassell started the first seven games.

ON THE MEND: Freshman running back Kahlil Bell returned to
practice this week after suffering a concussion earlier in training
camp. Bell was held out of last week’s intrasquad scrimmage
for precautionary reasons, but was having a strong showing in camp
before the injury. It is still undecided whether or not Bell will
be able to play against San Diego State. Freshman wide receiver
Gavin Ketchum has fully recovered from a separated left shoulder
and has been practicing with the first team offense. Ketchum is
battling for playing time in the Bruins’ receiving corps and
right now projects as the team’s No. 3 receiver.

INJURY REPORT: Speedy redshirt freshman Matt Slater was making a
case for a starting wide receiver spot before he suffered a right
foot injury. Slater is wearing a protective right boot, and the
coaching staff is hopeful he can return within the coming week.
Sophomore receiver Marcus Everett’s injured shoulder is out
of its sling, but he is considered doubtful for the San Diego State
game. Starting weak-side guard Chris Joseph had to come off the
practice field Friday because of a left knee injury, and he is
expected to return within the next week. Redshirt freshman tackle
Tony Lee underwent surgery on Thursday to remove a loose bone in
his right knee. He is likely to be out two to three weeks. Starting
defensive tackle Brigham Harwell did not practice and was wearing a
protective boot on his right foot and ankle. He is listed as
day-to-day.

With reports from Sagar Parikh and Adam de Jong, Bruin
Sports senior staff.