Everyone has always known that middle linebacker Justin London
is vocal.
At Wednesday’s practice, London let his defensive
teammates know he has vocal cords.
As part of this week’s Defensive Olympics, three defensive
units, consisting of defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive
backs, competed against each other in various competitions.
Wednesday’s event was singing.
As for the Olympics standings, London’s linebackers are in
a three-way tie for first place. On Tuesday, the defensive backs
won the kicking competition, and the defensive line has taken
second in both events.
The coaches have invited guest judges, and for the singing
competition, it was strength and conditioning coach Doc Kreis and
former UCLA wide receiver Kevin Jordan.
“We were robbed,” defensive tackle Rodney Leisle
said. “We brought a guitar and everything.”
The winner will be determined over the next two events in
throwing and football Jeopardy.
The purpose of the Defensive Olympics is to provide a break for
the players.
“It’s been football, football, football for a while
now, and sometimes we just need to get competitive at something
else that’s fun,” London said. “We whipped some
butt out there.”
Lately, London has been doing just that on the field. Against
Cal, the energetic linebacker gave UCLA a key defensive boost in
overtime. Holding a 23-20 lead, and with Cal facing a 3rd and 9,
London forced quarterback Aaron Rodgers to throw a quick short pass
to Adimchinobe Echemandu, knocking Rodgers down in the process. Not
finished with the play, London jumped to his feet as Echemandu ran
to the opposite sideline. When Echemandu tried to reverse the
field, London made a shoestring tackle for a nine-yard loss,
setting up a 50-yard field goal for Cal.
“We play until the whistle blows,” London said.
“My defensive teammates pushed him back toward me, and I was
just in position.”
Every lost yard counted, as Cal placekicker Tyler
Fredrickson’s field goal attempt hit the left upright.
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Cornerback Matt Ware and Leisle are both unlikely to play
against Arizona State.
Ware’s test results came back negative on his high ankle
sprain but did show that Ware was experiencing discomfort in his
foot. While replacement Keith Short held up against Cal,
Ware’s absence could be even more glaring against pass-happy
Arizona State.
Leisle, still sore from his bruised shoulder, ran around, but
did not have any contact during practice.
“It’s still sore,” Leisle said of his
shoulder. “If I can go, I will.”
Fellow defensive tackle Asi Faoa still has some discomfort in
his ankle, but will play.
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With the team’s conservative offense under fire, UCLA head
coach Karl Dorrell has decided to take a more active role in the
playcalling.
“We’re going to try to be more balanced in
everything we do,” Dorrell said. “We’re going to
try to generate some more things on offense.”
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Freshman Kevin Brown continues to see work during practice at
right guard, even though he will likely see significant playing
time in Leisle’s place.
“I had a little talk with coach Dorrell,” said
Brown, who added that he would not be open to playing offense next
year.