Spencer Havner attended Nevada Union High School in Grass Valley, California. Havner was a two-year starter where he played both tight end and middle linebacker. As a junior, Spencer recorded 96 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 fumble recoveries, 4 interceptions, and two touchdowns, on his way to all-city and all-league honors. As a senior, Havner led Nevada Union to a 12-1 record while totaling 136 tackles, 9 sacks, 7 interceptions, and two touchdowns. Spencer Havner, a second team all-state selection, was considered to be one of the top linebacker prospects in the nation and decided to play football at UCLA upon graduation. He sat out the 2001 season as a redshirt and then made an immediate impact the following season. He started at middle linebacker as a redshirt freshman, racking up 96 tackles, 2 sacks and 3 interceptions on his way to freshman All-American honors. As a sophomore, Havner moved to outside linebacker and had another very good season, totaling 82 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 interceptions. Spencer moved back inside as a junior and had his best season, leading the Pac-10 in tackles with 125 stops on the year. He also had 1 sack and 2 interceptions on his way to first team All-American honors. He considered entering the 2005 NFL draft but decided he didn’t have enough information, with projections having him going anywhere from round two to round seven. He instead returned for his senior season and should be a sure first day pick in the 2006 NFL draft.

Spencer Havner is a versatile linebacker who has started both inside and outside during his time at UCLA. He was a four-year starter for the Bruins and has as much experience as any linebacker in the nation. Havner has a good combination of size and speed for a linebacker. He is very good at reading and reacting to what the offense is doing. He has a good nose for the football and his speed allows him to make plays all over the field. He is a solid run defender who has excellent instincts and takes good angles to the ballcarrier. Havner excels at making tackles in the open field. The former high school tight end has the speed to cover backs and tight ends and has excellent hands. He has intercepted 10 passes in his career, taking three of them back for touchdowns. He has proven to be an excellent leader and was voted team captain by his teammates in each of the past two seasons. He isn’t the most athletic linebacker in the draft, but he is a hard worker who is constantly studying and trying to improve his game. He has good size and strength but needs to be more physical at the point of attack in the NFL. Injuries could cause some concern when it comes to Havner. He had offseason surgery on his shoulder and knee prior to his senior season; however, he seems to have made a full recovery from those injuries. Spencer Havner is one of the most versatile linebackers in the draft. He could play middle linebacker or outside linebacker for the team that drafts him. He should be a first day pick in April.