UCLA’s Week Off Helpful to London

Despite a two-game winning streak, UCLA did not complain about having a week off because it has given injured players extra time to heal.

And no Bruin needed the rest more than middle linebacker Justin London, who has been hampered by a sprained left ankle since the middle of August.

London, who was included in preseason watch lists for the Lombardi and Butkus awards, started 12 games last season and finished second on the team with 98 tackles. He also ranked second in tackles for loss and tied for the team lead in interceptions.

His presence in the middle of the UCLA defense has been missed. The Bruins have an inexperienced line and have had problems stopping opponents, especially on running plays, all season.

“The best way for people to understand London’s importance is to refer to him as the quarterback of the defense,” defensive coordinator Larry Kerr said. “If your veteran quarterback goes down on offense, people notice. It’s the same on defense, especially on our team.... Justin is so key for us because he makes plays and we can’t wait until he’s fully healthy.”

Danny Nelson, a transfer from Arizona Western College, started in place of London against Oklahoma State and the Cowboys gained nearly a quarter-mile on the ground. The next week, outside linebacker Wesley Walker moved inside and London came off the bench to assist on three tackles as the Bruins managed to slow Illinois’ running game.

Last week at Washington, though, London’s first start of the season lasted one play. On the Huskies’ first snap, London was blocked low, aggravating his injury.

Without him, the Bruins had problems stopping Washington’s ground attack, although they held on for a 37-31 victory.

“It’s frustrating because I want to be out there,” said London, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound junior from Roanoke, Va. “But the defense has really hung in there without me. Our defensive line is getting better every week and I can’t say enough about our linebackers.”

Against Washington, UCLA also lost outside linebacker Aaron Whittington, who suffered a hip injury and sat out most of the second half. With only seven linebackers on the trip, the Bruins turned to former walk-on Benjamin Lorier, redshirt freshman William Snead and freshman Fred Holmes.

“We’ve gone from a real area of strength to a position of great concern,” Kerr said. “But Wesley has stepped in and done a great job while Dan continues to progress.”

London, who spent the last week with his ankle in a walking boot, said he’ll play against San Diego State on Oct. 2 at the Rose Bowl. Coach Karl Dorrell is optimistic but not 100% positive that London will be ready.

Dorrell said week off “was very timely. With a couple of guys who’ve not been totally healthy, this time is a good blow for them to get back to form.

“But nothing will be determined for sure until they make it through a week of practice. We will see how they look and by Thursday we’ll know a more definite answer.”