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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.