Coming into the 2004 season, linebacker Justin London was asked
to do a lot more than just make open-field tackles. With the entire
defensive line departing and cornerback Matt Ware bolting for the
NFL, London was called upon to be the defense’s leader. While
mentally he was ready to answer the call, his body hasn’t
fully cooperated. A high-ankle sprain has taken London primarily
off the field, but he hasn’t let it damper his spirits, as
evident when he sat down with the Daily Bruin.
DB: How frustrating is it to be injured watching your
teammates?
JL: Well it was frustrating at first but all I can do is support
my team. There’s nothing I can do about the injury,
it’s a part of this game.
DB: So are you getting jealous with all the tackles the
other linebackers are getting?
JL: I’m not getting jealous. Those are my boys. And when I
get back in there trust me, I’m going to get my share.
We’re always out to compete.
DB: Speaking of tackling, is there a favorite tackle
you’ve made?
JL: Yeah, Chris Brown my true freshman year playing against
Colorado out here. We lost that game, but he was one of the top
backs we played against that year. And I was just a young boy just
out here getting started and I went out there and got a pretty good
lick on him, so that was a pretty good jumpoff to my college
career.
DB: So you’re from Virginia. What was the biggest
transition for you coming to LA?
JL: Traffic (without hesitation).
DB: Did you want to play for the Redskins growing up, or if
not them for any NFL team?
JL; Cleveland Browns. My pops played for them.
DB: If you were Mic’d up for a game, what types of
things would we be hearing?
JL: Whew. You know just saying things to pump my teammates up.
Encouraging things. You know I can’t really say a lot of
things I would say because they kind of just come out.
DB: Alright. Back to UCLA. What different responsibilities
does a middle linebacker have from an outside linebacker?
JL: You gotta run the defense and get the calls first of all.
Basically the inside is controlling everything within the tackles.
The outside backers are more out of place dealing with tight ends
and receivers more. So we’re just in the trenches. It’s
a trench fight really. You’re in there battling with the
linemen all day.
DB: Has Karl Dorrell ever unleashed his wrath on
you?
JL: Yes, he definitely has a wrath.
DB: Would you rather win the Super Bowl or beat
‘SC?
JL: Beat ‘SC. Ohhhh wait a minute. Win the Super Bowl or
beat ‘SC? Whoa. I’m taking the Super Bowl. That’s
for real.
DB: Do you listen to music before that game? What
type?
JL: I listen to rap before the game.
DB: Anyone in particular?
JL: MJG, 8Ball … Southern Stuff
DB: OK, last question. Do you have a favorite childhood
memory?
JL: Just a big hit on a punt return. Knocked a guy’s
helmet off and a couple of teeth out. (laughs)