If Spencer Havner owned a crystal ball, he'd most certainly be taking advantage of it right now. Because being able to see what his future will look like after the next few days would make his life a whole lot less stressful.

Instead, the Nevada Union graduate and UCLA product waits anxiously for something he's prepared the majority of his life for - getting drafted to play in the National Football League.

The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity, but come Saturday or Sunday, Havner will finally know the direction he's headed.

Peruse the mock draft sites or listen to draft talk and the so-called experts have Havner, an outside linebacker, going anywhere from No. 30 to No. 90. No two pundits or sites are the same. The difference in a signing bonus between the two aforementioned picks can range from anywhere from $4-5 million to the $700,000 ballpark.

"No one can predict when I'll be picked," Havner said. "Everything on me right now is like a crap shoot. That's why it's been so nerve wracking.

"I hate all the (mock drafts) with a passion. None of them know what they're talking about. All of the projections are what they (the people who run the sites) think - not what the teams think."

Right now, the players drawing the most attention at Havner's position are Ohio State's A.J. Hawk, Iowa's Chad Greenway and Florida State's Ernie Sims.

Havner's goal, however, is to be taken within the first three rounds (the first day of the draft). The entire draft is seven rounds long.

And his dream situation?

To field a call from the Oakland Raiders informing him that he is one of their draft picks. Havner is a longtime Raiders fan and would like play close to home.

The Raiders are one of the teams Havner feels has taken a special interest in him, along with the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Redskins.

Nevada Union football coach Dave Humphers reported that a scout from the Chicago Bears came to the high school one day to talk about Havner. Humphers has also received questionnaires about Havner's character and history from the Raiders and the Green Bay Packers.

While actually being drafted is the best part of the process in Havner's eye, he reports that the worst part was the NFL Combine.

Havner was one of more than 330 draft prospects invited to the NFL Combine, which was held in Indianapolis at the end of February. At the Combine, athletes go through fitness and skill exercises, along with team interviews, psychological testing and extensive x-ray work to detect any possible injuries.

"The combine is the worst part (of the process)," Havner said. "They make you strip off your clothes and get on stage in front of all the scouts. It's kind of like a meat market.

"Then they run you through all the psychological testing and interviews. And it isn't until the fourth day (after getting very little sleep) you run, jump and perform. They set you up for failure."

Despite his dislike for the experience, Havner felt he made a good showing.

Asked in retrospect whether he wished he would have gone out for the draft after his junior year after having led the Pacific 10 conference with 125 tackles - Havner does not hesitate in saying no.

"I feel good about my decision," Havner said. "I know I'm ready now. Last year I had some nagging injuries that would have hurt me going into the Combine. And I was able to get my degree (in history)."

In his final season this past fall at UCLA, Havner recorded 99 tackles, leading the team with 66 solo tackles, along with 15 tackles for a loss, two sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Throughout his collegiate career, Havner was a Bednarik, Lombardi and Butkus Award semifinal finalist and a Lott Trophy quarterfinalist.



Local excitement

If all goes according to plan this weekend, Havner will become the first western Nevada County football player drafted in more than a decade.

In recent history, two other former Miners, both of whom played at Cal, have been involved in the draft process. In 1992, Steve Gordon, a center, was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 10th round. And in 2000, linebacker Matt Beck looked to be a sure pick in the draft out of Cal, but as the weekend came and went Beck was left undrafted.

"You have to have the passion and the ability to focus," Humphers said. "You have to work hard day after day and month after month to accomplish your long-term goals.

"That's what Spencer has done. He's put himself in a position to play football for a living in the NFL."

When talking about Havner's draft prospects, a huge smile paints Humphers' face as he laughs and points to goosebumps that spring up on his arm. He adds that watching the draft this weekend will be like the Super Bowl for him.

Havner plans to begin his day Saturday at a barbecue with family in Placerville and then head up to Grass Valley to spend more time with his family in the afternoon and evening.

Watch www.theunion.com this weekend to see when Havner is picked and read Monday's edition of The Union for the full story.

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To contact sports writer Stacy Hicklin, e-mail stacyh@theunion.com or call 477-4244.



• 2001 Nevada Union graduate

• Senior linebacker at UCLA

• Stands 6-3 and weighs 241

• Led Pac-10 in tackles as a junior with 125

• Bednarik, Lombardi and Butkus Awards semifinalist

• The NFL draft begins at 9 a.m. Saturday on ESPN