Havner’s Knack for Interceptions Moves Him Closer to Ball

It’s near the end of a skeleton passing drill and UCLA linebacker Spencer Havner reads backup quarterback Brian Callahan like a book.

Instead of dropping deep into coverage, Havner breaks early for the ball, catches it, and returns Callahan’s pass for a touchdown. It’s a typical play from a linebacker with a reputation for making big ones.

“I just like to look at the quarterback and it usually takes me to the ball,” said Havner, who has six interceptions in two seasons. “It’s something that comes to me naturally.”

Havner had 12 interceptions in his high school career, including eight as a senior. His freshman season at UCLA, Havner picked off three passes, including two that he returned for touchdowns.

Last season, Havner did not return any interceptions for touchdowns, but he did pick off three more passes, returning them for a combined 72 yards.

“There are certain players on the team you just know about,” UCLA running back Manuel White said, “and with Spencer, we know that he’s an [all-around] athlete that can make plays.”

This spring, Havner has moved to inside linebacker after playing his first two seasons outside. Havner is joined by returning starter Justin London at inside linebacker and Wesley Walker, who has taken over Havner’s former position.

“I’m more inside now so I can be more around the ball,” Hav- ner said. “I’m trying to learn a whole new position.... [The starting linebackers] are all sophomores who will be juniors next season. Once we get our defensive line together, we’re going to have a strong defense.”

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UCLA held its first controlled full-team scrimmage at the end of Tuesday’s practice and it featured two big plays from backup cornerback Trey Brown, who intercepted a pass from David Koral and returned a fumble for a touchdown. Koral, who transferred to UCLA from Santa Monica College, threw two interceptions in the drill but also had two of the biggest hits.

Defensive end Kevin Harbour, who has had an impressive spring, suffered a left knee injury late in the scrimmage and had to be carried off the field. Coach Karl Dorrell said the injury did not appear serious, but Harbour will have tests today.