Player Profile: Sean Spence

This article was written by blogger UMike exclusively for Canespace...

I remember the 2008 recruiting class vividly. I remember thinking it was about time that Miami locked up the Dade County talent. I’ve watched year after year as the other two Florida schools and others around the nation swooped in and plucked away our kids. It seemed as if we forgot just how special these South Florida kids really are. It was this thinking that had me convinced Sean Spence would be the star of what became a recruiting class full of talented and highly rated linebackers.

 

The 2008 class included linebackers Authur Brown, the number one rated LB in the country and other 3 or 4 star prospects like Jordan Futch, Marcus Robinson, Antonio Harper and Garvin Hardin. Still, I knew it would be Spence that would stand out among the crowd. Not that the other players from this class won’t become stars or good players in their own right, but I just knew “Superman” Spence had “it”.

 

Sean Spence, at 6 feet and 186 pounds, was rated the #13 linebacker in the country according to Rivals.com, behind Brown, Robinson and Futch. He was also rated behind one-time Miami commit Lerentee McCray among others. But I knew better.

 

A lot of people on this blog talk about Dade County kids and what that means. These kids know swagger and are the most talented group in all the country, at least in my humbled opinion.

When you grow up in certain parts of Dade County, like the Liberty City “Pork-n-Bean” Projects like Sean Spence and teammate Marcus Forston, you become hungry. Hungry to get out. Maybe this is why so many Dade County kids succeed at the college level and pros. Whatever it is, Dade County kids certainly have “it”, and I knew he would be special.

After starting weak-side linebacker Colin McCarthy went down with an injury early in the year, Spence started the remaining eight games. Even before taking over the starting spot, it was obvious Spence was special. In just the second game of his college career, Spence showed the Florida Gators and the rest of the country that he just may be the next great Miami linebacker. Not only did he simply crush Gator RB Brandon James on a swing pass (almost as nice as Matt “Warrior” Bosher’s hit on James), he also slammed Heisman Trophy winning QB Tim Tebow to the Mud Puddle turf, much to the delight of Canes fans everywhere.

These were only a couple of the many big plays he would make all year including a interception return for a touchdown against hated rival FSU and a game saving strip of the football against Virginia. His speed and quick thinking kept him around the ball as he become a big play waiting to happen. He finished third on the team in tackles with 62 (36 solo), including 7.5 tackles for loss and would become the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Spence, now up to 212-216 lbs, depending on whom you ask, is ready to be the next great leader on a defense that has lacked a true leader in recent years. I’m confident there will be no “Sophomore Slump” here. Spence is just the kind of fast, intelligent, playmaking linebacker Miami needs for its return to glory.

Comments

[tortugacane]

GREAT ARTICLE! CANESPACE ROCKS!

I barely post a comment, but I read 'em ALL!

[tortugacane]

Also, GREAT job on previous article! I give a big hand-applause to previous writer! Keep it going!!

[Loco]

this is much too early... good article though

[UMike]

SOUP..I really like the top right pic

[canesteeler]

Soup, nothing but good stuff, keep it coming.

[canesteeler]

Chinese, you and I are in agreement about Isiah. I don't know what the hell peter garcia is thinking at FIU. Everytime I want to give Isiah the benefit of the doubt he screws something else up. Most folks think cats have nine lives, hell i think Isiah has ten after the numerous chances he has been given.

[DATcane]

good stuff, sleepy is going to have a big year. Hopefully that Brown guy can get it going!

[canechic]

Nice Read! Umike wrote this right?

[Cat 5 Cane]

Spence... "The best one"

One of my fav's! but I can't pick just one.

Trying to pick the best player out of this group in 09 is too difficult... better to say what's your best player of a position and you have a better chance to being right.

Good stuff Soup!

[DATcane]

http://cfn.scout.com/2/856013.html

ACC

[The Truth]

I can say who's best...and most draftable...

That would be 5 6

Mr. #56

'nuff said LOL

[DATcane]

Truth any chance Mr. 56 gets back to LB?

[The Truth]

When he stops getting steamrolled at times at the point of attack he'll be unstopable.

[The Truth]

No chance at all

[DATcane]

I am good with the switch, we are deep at end though. He played well at times and was a gost at others. I guess that is being young though.

[UMike]

Thanx Canechic

[SOUP]

Nice Read! Umike wrote this right?

Posted by: canechic | April 15, 2009 at 09:16 AM

YES, I missed the credits again. I'll fix it later. His picture is TOP RIGHT with his son who as U may notice is wearing Sean Taylor courtesy of The Space!

[Cat 5 Cane]

Mike... Let's face it, Soup is a hog and looking for credits anywhere he can get them... he's such a pig... LOL

Correction... Good job Mike, keep'em roll'n

[tortugacane]

Excellent article Umike. Good pic with your Cane kid on top right!

[canesteeler]

Umike good job! wheres Loco? I miss his behind the scenes reports!

[Mephistopheles]

I know I may as well be talking under water when discussing baseball, but here goes.

Last night was a huge save for Bellamy. He got out of a mess created by a walk and 2 misplayed bunts, and preserved Santana's 6th victory. He is as close to automatic as it gets, and that's huge for the playoffs.

These mid-week games are important because winning the ACC, and especially the ACC tourney will be tough. These victories keep the RPI and rankings high so they can host post season series.

If they can take 2 this weekend, (much easier said than done) and take care of business in the final 3 winnable series, they should have a good chance to host both the regional and super-regional, regardless of their conference finish. Especially with no other Florida school making a strong case this year-not yet, anyway.

[Cat 5 Cane]

DE... Marcus R has it all... per the spring roster I'm showing Courtney Harris, Eric Moncur amd Adewal Ojomo as being other players at DE... Are there others I'm missing?...

JMO... but it's a shame Bailey was switched, as seeing him at 260/265 would have been exciting on the end spot.

[canesteeler]

Mephistopheles how much does a win over FAU ( a sub 500 team) help the RPI?

[UMike]

Thanks for all the love..just happy i can be a part of "Da Space"..one of the many reasons I love this place.

[DATcane]

cat5,
We will see if Andrew Smith gets any PT.

[Cat 5 Cane]

watch TV on the net

Maybe the answer for hard to get Local TV programs? Don't know but it is intriguing.

http://www.inklineglobal.com/adsales/miamiherald/tvo_offer_728_mona.html?&mcp=US

One time... fee 30 bucks

[Mephistopheles]

Canesteeler,

A lot more than the loss UNC had last night to High Point, or Arkansas losing to ULM. All wins matter, and UM could have easily lost that game last night. The top programs save their best pitchers for weekend (conference) games, but lesser opponents use the mid-week games as opportunities for notariety. That's why you see so many so-called upsets on Tuesday and wednesday all year long.

Beating FAU is not what matters-not losing to FAU does matter. UM is #3 in the RPI, yet is only 11-7 in conference and has lost 5 of its last 9 conference games. They are #3 largely because they have won 9 of their 10 mid-week games since the conference schedule began.

That's why I felt it was a big win last night.

[Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer]

Umike, well-done. Keep rockin'.

Vince, I don't think Garcia really did his due diligence on this one. In NYC it was well-known that Isaiaf verbally and physically harassed, threatened and almost abused one of the female employees of the Knicks.

That combined with his complete failure as a coach in NBA of all places, where you'd think he'd at least be decent, would raise a serious red flag to me.

Maybe they were both desperate.

[Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer]

Truth, how far away do you think #56 is from NOT being handled at the point of attack?

[The Truth]

Garcia got FIU's program announced on ESPN all day as well as having Isias mug on every national sports website and newspaper...

Garcia is getting exactly what he wants. Very smart.

#56 is ready now. He was a frosh. He's bigger and stronger and have a year of confidence building under his belt. We'll see how teams play him based on his film and see if he can correct his mistakes.

Then again the DT's MUST step up this season and hold that middle. That'll make everyones job easier.

[solarcane]

UMike
just stopped by the house to eat lunch and see whats happening, nice article.

Spence will be an All American again as a sophomore, two more seasons to watch him, then he will off Baltimore or Carolina.

peace

[CanesgirlNC]

Meph - Bellamy is one of my favorite players - I think he started as a walk on and earned himself a spot. Gotta love that. Will you be going to he ACC Tourney in Durham?

[CanesgirlNC]

UMike - nice write-up

[Esteban]

Truth, I could understand that reasoning. But would have gotten at least a little ESPN time with Reggie Theus as the hire. And would have gotten a good coach who's a proven recruiter to boot.

With that said Isiah Thomas got plenty of snake charmer in him so he might just take to recruiting like a fish to water.

[Esteban]

as for #56...he's got a lot of motivation to improve against the run. Motivation in the form of #97, #94, #35, #90 and a few other numbers.

[The Truth]

I think you are right Esteban...snake charmer to be sure. Plus it'll give him the opportunity to get his name back after all the turmoil.

[True Cane]

who is the south carolina commit who is waiting for a cane offer?

[DATcane]

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_college_hurricanes/2009/04/randy-shannon-taylor-cook-is-backup-qb-as-of-now.html,

ss

[solarcane]

Seminole Spring Game

Florida State
Short-handed throughout the spring, the defense rose up in the Garnet & Gold game, forcing seven turnovers for a 39-27 Gold victory. S Jamie Robinson had a pair of interceptions, and his teammates recovered five fumbles for a measure of redemption against the Garnet. On one of those fumbles, LB Nigel Bradham returned it 45 yards for a touchdown. Starting QB Christian Ponder generally had a rough day, going 10-of-19 for 118 yards, a touchdown, and those two picks. On defense, end Justin Mincey played well, making a team-high five stops and 2.5 tackles for loss.

peace

[solarcane]

North Carolina spring game

Looking for improved play under center, the Heels finished spring on a high note. The program’s three quarterbacks—T.J. Yates, Mike Paulus, and Braden Hansen—combined to go 23-of-30 for 202 yards and a touchdown in the annual Spring Showcase. They spread the ball around to a young corps of receivers, led by sophomore Dwight Jones, who had three catches for 61 yards. Redshirt freshman Jamal Womble capped a solid spring by rushing for 50 yards on seven carries. While sophomore Herman Davidson made his move from safety to linebacker look smart, collecting six tackles, senior end E.J. Wilson had two of the game’s three sacks.

peace

[canesteeler]

Meph, thanks for the clearification.

[DATcane]

http://espn.go.com/?topId=4070162,

off topic but great read!

[DATcane]

just under Kobe, survivors story

[timcanes]

true cane if you right click on the guys picture and press save as, his name comes up as what you would save it as...if that makes sense

[timcanes]

anyone know what randy is saying about graham playing??

[UMike]

tim..check out the linke about,.he talks about Graham

[timcanes]

check out what?

[CaneSniper]

The Carolina commit is WR Sean Tapley, 6'0, 170lb, 4.42 40. He's Louis Nix team mate up at Jacksonville Raines. Says UM would be tied for the lead if we offer.

[CaneSniper]

No specifics about Graham, other than he's 6' 8" and about 260. Shannon says he'd start out playing the TE position. But nothing final.

[Esteban]

Tied for the lead... Oh brother.

It's not just south Florida recruits who can be delusional.