When Justin London hurts, the Bruins feel the pain.
Unfortunately for UCLA, London has been hurting all season. After
suffering a high ankle sprain before the start of the season,
London has been in and out of lineup and has seen only limited
playing time. But in Saturday’s game against California,
London should be ready to start to bring the impact that the
Bruins’ struggling run defense needs. “It’s
definitely a challenge right now being injured,” London said.
“I suffered an injury that’s tough to get better from.
“But it’s October, and we’re coming down the
stretch, so it’s something I’m just going to have to
block out. I’m going to give it my best.” Both the
coaching staff and London understand the linebacker’s injury
will probably plague him for the rest of the season. Coach Karl
Dorrell said it could be the type of injury London never fully
recovers from, but despite the pain, his presence will be important
for the Bruins. “He’s going to provide some great
leadership,” Dorrell said. “The best thing he can do
for us is stay off it. But he can’t really do that during the
season. We’ll try and watch him and also spell him when we
need to.” Fellow linebacker Spencer Havner said that
London’s injury was part of the reason UCLA struggled to stop
the running game last weekend against Arizona. The Bruins allowed
258 rushing yards to the Wildcats, with London only playing
sparingly. Though London won’t go as far as to agree with
Havner, he understands that having himself back as a starter will
help the continuity of the team. “This is the team we started
off with at camp. We’re comfortable with each other and we
listen to each other,” London said. “We’re going
out there, and if someone makes a mistake, we’re going to
coach them up. And that’s what going to make this defense
great.”
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST: Top linebacker
recruit Kaluka Maiava accepted a scholarship to USC on Tuesday.
Maiava, of Baldwin High in Hawai’i, had previously given a
“soft” verbal commitment to the Bruins this August, but
after watching USC beat California last weekend, he decided the
Trojans were the place to be. He had previously attended a USC
summer camp, after which UCLA offered him a scholarship. At that
point, he had not received any word from the Trojans, but USC
offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who once coached in Hawai’i,
called Maiava this weekend. That was all he needed.
INJURY UPDATE: After suffering a sprained knee
Tuesday in practice, defensive end Justin Hickman should be ready
to play Saturday, Dorrell said. Though still swollen and sore,
Hickman was able to run Wednesday and will practice again Thursday.
Dorrell also said defensive end Bruce Davis would be ready to go
Saturday after suffering a slight groin pull Tuesday.