Spring 2005
Dynamic Duo
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Linebackers Justin London (right) and Spencer Havner celebrate a particularly bruising tackle during last October's Homecoming game against Stanford at the Rose Bowl. The Bruins shut out the Cardinal, 21-0.

“Justin & Spencer isn’t the name of an American Idol movie; it’s a linebacker combo that will be the best in 2005,” Fiutak wrote. “Spencer Havner and Justin London will lead a Bruin defense that was hampered by injuries but will return with more experience.”

Fiutak went so far as to say that Havner and London are the fourth-best duo in the country, behind Abdul Hodge/Chad Greenway of the University of Iowa, A.J. Hawk/Anthony Schlegel of Ohio State University and Kai Parham/ Ahmad Brooks of the University of Virginia. “But there’s no argument from my end if you want to rank them a bit higher,” he says. “Havner made plays all over the field last season when there wasn’t anyone to really help him out. London is a good all-around linebacker and ultra-productive when healthy.”

There’s no argument from Dorrell, either. “I’m expecting them to have a great year,” the coach says. “We’ve got a young defensive line that’s talented, and they need some leadership from a veteran linebacker corps. That’s what Spencer and Justin will provide for us in the fall.”

Keeping them healthy is a priority as both players underwent arthroscopic surgery — Havner to repair a labral tear in his right shoulder and London to clean out loose bodies in the right ankle he sprained last season. In fact, London’s ankle injury occurred during preseason practice and kept him from having the kind of stellar season he’d enjoyed as a sophomore.

“Spencer and Justin are critical guys to us next year because of their experience,” says Larry Kerr, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. “They’ve been through the battles, so to speak, so they know what the expectations are. These guys can really help our younger players understand what it takes to be successful.”

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