| Spence is a potential early round pick after a distinguished career with the Hurricanes. The Miami native was named ACC defensive rookie of the year in 2008, second-team all-conference as a junior and a first-team selection last season. A Butkus Award semifinalist last season, Spence finished with the most tackles for losses in program history (47) after recording 14 in 2011, good for 31st in the FBS. Even though he was suspended for the season opener as a senior for accepting impermissible benefits, Spence doesn't appear to have character issues. The linebacker could have more size and strength issues in the eyes of NFL front office personnel - he had just 12 reps in the 225-pound bench press at the combine. While covering tight ends and shedding fullbacks and offensive lineman at the point of attack are concerns, Spence showed great instincts, athleticism and above-average speed - he ran a 4.71 40-yard dash at the combine - as a four-year starter for the Hurricanes. A likely backup or special teams player, Spence can play all three linebacker positions - providing versatility that has likely improved his draft stock on many teams' boards. |
