Canes, others in on Spence
Miami (Fla.) Northwestern linebacker Sean Spence is one of many high-level Division I-A prospects on his high school roster for the Class of 2008. The tackling machine currently holds three scholarship offers and has interest in and from multiple other programs.
"I've got three offers," Spence said. "I've got offers from Miami (Fla.), Rutgers and Ole Miss. I got these during my junior year."
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Being from Miami, the 6-foot, 200-pound Spence has always had his eye on the Hurricanes.
"I grew up a Miami fan," he said. "I have always admired their linebackers and how they play. I also like how they put linebackers into the NFL and how their family atmosphere is."
Spence's favorite former Hurricane is D. J. Williams, who was rated by Rivals.com as the nation's top overall prospect in the Class of 2000.
Despite Spence's long ties to the Canes program, he's giving other programs a fair look for now.
"I'm just keeping an open mind right now," he said. "My school, Miami Northwestern, has a former player at Rutgers, Tim Brown. I went up there before at a camp and it was real nice. I have never been to Ole Miss, but they say it's extremely nice.
"I also like Auburn, Florida, South Carolina."
He recently traveled to Gainesville with some of his teammates for the Gators' Junior Day event.
"It was nice," he said. "They showed us around the campus and showed us their locker rooms and things. They showed us a good time."
Spence likely won't make a final decision for some time.
"I'm going to make my decision on Signing Day (2008)."
Spence had 197 total tackles during his junior year. While his physical talents are not questioned, his cerebral approach to the position gives him an edge as well.
"I like to breakdown film," he said. "I look at film and study the other team, going over the plays. (Miami Northwestern head coach Roland) Smith and I go over the film and rehearse the plays."
Spence, who helped his team to the Class 6A championship and an unbeaten record, was a first-team All-State selection by the Florida Sportswriters Association. He currently is rated as the state's No. 12 junior by FlaVarsity.com.