Sean Spence NFL Draft prospect notes

by Dan Kadar on Aug 10, 2011 8:00 PM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

Sean Spence
6'0, 224 pounds | Linebacker | Miami

First word: Heading into his senior season at Miami, Sean Spence may be a man without a position in the NFL. While he's played middle and strong-side linebacker, he's really undersized for the position. It will be interesting to see if NFL teams view Spence as a safety. One of his strengths is coverage. He's also a fluid athlete who makes plays around the field. Although he's shown to be adept at getting into the backfield, some teams may be scared off by his lack of size.

Spence had an outstanding 2010 season after an injury-marred 2009. Last season, he had 111 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and six pass deflections. On a talented defense, they're impressive numbers. His junior season earned him a spot on the preseason watch lists for the Bednarik, Butkus, Lombardi and Nagurski awards as a senior.

Games viewed: (All 2010) Ohio State, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame

Bold statement: Spence will better-served professionally if he works out at all-star games as a safety.

Notes:

• Is a loose-hipped athlete that can make plays all over the field. Does a nice job covering the short passing game. Will be an asset for defenses in pass coverage.

• Isn't known as an aggressive, terrorizing tackler. Is technically sound in his approach to tackling and rarely makes a bad play.

• Because he lacks some strength, Spence will have some trouble against stronger opponents and requires help from teammates at times.

• Obviously doesn't have the prototypical size you see in an NFL linebacker.

• Spence is instinctually superior to most college linebackers. Has a coach for a father, and it shows in how well Spence knows the game.

• Uses his technical know-how to avoid and shed blockers. Does a really nice job of getting low to beat stronger players.

• Has lined up at strong-side and middle linebacker for Miami. In the NFL, is most likely a weak-side linebacker in a 4-3.

• No known off-field or character issues. Was raised to be humble and work hard. Known as someone who puts in a lot of film study.

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Comments

Seriously undersized? Sounds like a Colts linebacker!!!

I joke, but at the same time, the joke’s based on truth. Here’s a picture taken by Colts SLB Phillip Wheeler during last season’s training camp:

230.8 lbs. Two hundred thirty point eight freakin’ pounds. This is an indianapolis linebacker. That’s the weight of some team’s safeties.

Anyway, lemme tell you all: Past history tells me that Sean Spence is perfect for the Colts! All he needs to do is eat one bucket of KFC, and he’s there!

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"How can a pickup truck contain enough mass to unfold into a towering machine? I say if Ringling Brothers can get 15 clowns into a Volkswagen, anything is possible."

Roger Ebert, Transformers review.

by E.M.H. on Aug 11, 2011 12:25 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Heres the thing

if Spence puts up elite work out numbers he can have a meteoric rise up draft boards the way Ernie Sims did.

That means if Spence hit’s a 4.3 or low 4.4 40 and kills it in agility drills and the bench press he will blow up. The Colts, Buccs, Bears, Eagles and Falcons would all love him.

Working out at safety would force him to learn a new position and push back his draft stock, now if he isn’t a true 6’0 then he’ll have to make that move, but if he is a true 6 footer then he stays at WLB. Remeber, Thomas Davis was a 6’0 228lbs. SLB.

by DaFranchiZe on Aug 11, 2011 2:38 AM EDT reply actions