When linebacker Justin London returned for his senior season
last spring, he was envisioning something different. Not to say
that he isn’t happy about the Bruins’ 9-1 start, but he
certainly wasn’t happy to sit out large parts of this season,
including the last two games, due to injuries. “You get kind
of pissed about the whole situation,” London said. “But
injuries are part of the game, and you have to deal with it.”
A year ago, London spent the majority of the season hobbled with a
right ankle injury, and played a total of three snaps during the
Bruins’ first three games. He returned this season to put
those injuries behind him, and finally make an impact in the Bruin
program during his senior year. Until now, he has been in form,
ranking fifth on the Bruins with 38 tackles, but more was expected
from the senior who was on the preseason Lott, Lombardi and Butkus
award lists. London realizes that whatever has happened in the past
is still there, but he also knows he has one game, this Saturday
against No. 1 USC at the Coliseum, that can make all of those past
troubles go away, at least for a day. “It’s a big
football game, it’s definitely important,” said London,
who has aspirations of playing in the NFL. “In terms of
scouts for the next level, it’s huge. I’m just blessed
to be out there, and feeling as good as I do.” If London
didn’t think this game was that important, he wouldn’t
have sat out the last two games to make sure he was ready for this
game. His injury, a right foot ankle sprain, was diagnosed by the
doctors to keep him out for four to six weeks, but London felt that
if it was necessary, he would have been out on the field for the
last two games against Arizona and Arizona State.
“Considering the pain I felt last year, I could have played
in these last two games if I wanted to,” London said.
“But it wasn’t healthy advice. I followed the
doctor’s advice, which was to sit out.” The previous
two weeks, in which the Bruins have had time off, London had been
participating in personal workouts, and preparing for the game. He
returned to full pads in practice on Monday, and was just excited
to be back on the same field as his teammates once again.
“I’m getting stronger as a person as it all goes on so
that when the day comes when I’m 100 percent healthy,
I’m going to be able to go all out.” For the wishes of
all Bruins fans, and London, they can hope that the senior
linebacker feels that healthy on Saturday.
HORTON IS BACK: Sophomore free safety Chris Horton is expected
to see his first major action of the season this Saturday against
USC. Horton was expected to begin the season as the starter, but he
injured himself prior to training camp, and was forced to undergo
surgery on his right wrist. “Chris is back, and he is looking
good at practice,” coach Karl Dorrell said. “Both of
those guys (Horton and redshirt sophomore free safety Dennis Keyes)
will see considerable time, and move in and out of the
rotation.” Keyes is third on the Bruins with 56 tackles, but
has been slowed as of late. Senior defensive end Kyle Morgan will
likely get the starting spot over sophomore lineman William
Snead.
ABRAHAM INJURED: Offensive tackle Brian Abraham
missed practice Wednesday and is doubtful to play this weekend
against USC. Abraham was carted off the field during
Tuesday’s practice with a right ankle injury. Sophomore Noah
Sutherland will probably start in his place. “They did the
X-rays on him, and his status is currently unknown,”
offensive line coach Tom Cable said. “If Noah starts in his
place, we’ll be fine. He has done it before.”
FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICAN: UCLA defensive tackle Chase
Moline has been named a freshman All-American by rivals.com,
announced Wednesday. Moline started seven of the Bruins’ 10
games this season, and has been a pleasant surprise for the Bruins,
who didn’t expect Moline to be a regular contributor so early
in his career. “It’s a great honor for him,”
Cable said. “He’s worked very hard getting the starting
position, and he certainly deserves it.”
SVOBODA RECEIVES HONOR: UCLA quarterbacks coach
Jim Svoboda is one of six finalists for the prestigious Broyles
award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach.
Under Svoboda’s guidance, senior quarterback Drew Olson had
the best season of his career, and became one of the top
quarterbacks in the nation, registering a ratio of 30 touchdowns to
three interceptions.