Whether players should be drafted or not, it’s kind of a badge of honor for a collegiate student-athlete to hear his name called at the NFL Draft. Evan Spencer is among those who may or may not get the call.
If he doesn’t get drafted, Spencer will no doubt get invitations to try out as an undrafted free agent and can pick his spot, but it’s nice to be wanted and a team that invests a draft selection on a player shows a definite want.
So how does Spencer ace his interview?
“Tell us about your background.”
Evan scored 33 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Vernon Hills (IL) High and was named an all-state selection after his senior season. He comes from impressive stock, as his father, Tim, was an NFL and USFL running back and one of Ohio State’s all-time leading rushers. Tim is now a running backs coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Surely some of that knowledge rubbed off on his son.
“Tell us about your shortcomings.”
Spencer caught only 15 passes as a senior for 149 yards and three touchdowns, which aren’t exactly typical numbers for NFL-worthy wide receivers. In fact, over four seasons Spencer only caught 52 passes for 579 yards and seven touchdowns. Most NFL wideouts put up better numbers than that their senior season alone.
“What would you say you do well?”
As far as individual skills, Evan has several. He can catch.
He can block.
Heck, he can even throw if you need him to.
But what Spencer does best is serve his team as the consummate professional. He handles himself with class, prepares for any situation he might face in a game, and unselfishly does whatever it takes to put the team’s needs ahead of his own.
Need a punt returner? Spencer will serve in a pinch. Kickoff coverage? Sure. Blocking for other players who will get all the glory? No problem. Evan is the kind of player every NFL team needs.
“What are your strengths?”
Spencer has good size for a receiver at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds. He can physically match up with NFL defensive backs – safeties as well as corners – and his leaping ability (see catch against Akron above) could make him a tempting red zone target where separation isn’t as crucial as in the middle of the field. He’s also an intelligent player who understands not only his own role on any given play, but the parts others play as well. This is what makes him a standout blocker on running plays.
“Tell us about a time you showed leadership.”
How about earning your way to a team captaincy and being called the “team MVP” by Head Coach Urban Meyer despite putting up the aforementioned numbers? By doing a lot of things well instead of one thing exceptionally well, Spencer showed his team what selfless hard work will do within the team dynamic.
His work was rewarded time and time again. Ohio State took to blatantly calling plays to try to reward him with touchdowns – not always successfully – and Spencer was ubiquitous in the post-championship pressers, and it wasn’t for catching 15 passes.
All of these things could be the difference between going undrafted and being locked up with a coveted selection for Spencer. His service will long be remembered in Columbus along with much more decorated players with flashier resumes. He’s the ultimate role player and the NFL definitely needs those.
