Interview: 2021 3-Star OL Devin Spencer Talks Workouts and Pennsylvania Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Penn football got a steal in the 2021 class when they landed a verbal commitment from offensive lineman Devin Spencer. Beyond being a three-star recruit with a double-digit offer sheet, Spencer heads to the Quakers as experienced as one can get coming out of the high school ranks. Playing for powerhouse program Centennial, the California product has lined up against other national powerhouse squads taking on five-, four-, and three-star recruits. Spencer has always been dedicated to his craft, but there now seems to be a greater interior push for the 6-3.5, 280-pound, senior. The football IQ coupled with the physical skills and technique are all coming together for another standout season at left tackle with the Huskies.
In an RNG update interview, Spencer runs down his offseason workouts and shares how UPenn became his ideal collegiate fit.
Interview
Devin, let’s catch everyone up on where you left off with your game during the 2019 season. During your junior season you were playing left tackle in the Huskies’ Spread attack. How did your junior year go overall?
It went great. We had some really good games. Mater Dei was tough and the Cathedral game was controversial; that game got our juices going. Through the season we got better as a whole and as an offensive line we gelled. We came up short against (St. John) Bosco in the playoffs. It was the small errors that got us against Bosco. Overall, it was a great season for me and my team. I ready for one last ride.
The Huskies’ offense is instantly recognizable if for no other reason than the linemen’s large splits. That creates true one-on-one matchups for you guys. How has that strategy helped bring a sense of urgency to what you do as a lineman?
The splits, like you said, brings that true one-on-one match-up with an isolation. If we run a gap play with a read, it makes the tackle or guard get to their assignment quicker. We have chip blocks then up to the linebacker plays too. Coach (Matt) Logan (head coach) does a great job with reads, splits and the whole nine.
At this moment, what do you feel are the strengths to your game with your pass-pro and run blocking?
My strengths on run blocking are my hand-placement and my get-off. I love being taller, defensive linemen think I will not get low. But then I get off and under them and they are on their back. That is a strength of my game. With my pass protection, my footwork and patience are strengths. My teammates in practice ask how I stay so patience. I don’t open things up, which limits a defender to a set of moves that I am expecting.
What have you been working on throughout the offseason?
My explosiveness and aggression. My setup has been changed to an aggressive set with my punch, which has worked wonders. I gave too much respect to guys with my space last season. I feel better with my attack in run and pass blocking. This year, I am excited to show that off.
How have you been working to add more strength and power to your game?
Before the virus got started, my parents got a bench/squat rack and a hex bar with a lot of weights for me. I have been working on my bench, squats, working on deadlifts, and on my form for power cleans with more explosiveness. I have also worked on my core and balance, strength, and being more flexible.
Have you maxed out this offseason?
I did on bench and squat. My bench was 325 and my squat was 440.
What have you been doing to increase your footwork with your blocking?
With my parents getting stuff for me, they also got a ladder, cones, and a parachute. I’ve been training with that and I have speed training days. The ladder, I love having fast feet.
With the season in California pushed until the first of 2021, what is the practice schedule for the Huskies going forward?
As of right now we are only meeting virtually. We are meeting with Coach Logan and our position coaches. Today should see if we are allowed to do small team workouts like Bosco and the NFL teams are doing. If they approve it, I know Coach Logan will have a really good plan for us.
On Aug. 29, you announced your commitment to UPenn. How did the Quakers become the ideal fit for you?
When I visited UPenn in late February, right before the virus hit, I got the full tour of the school and campus. I was toured around by a player, and my dad was with me. I love the campus and the feel of the city. When I was there, I got to know the coaches; the offensive line coach, Coach (Kyle) Metzler, and head coach, Coach (Ray) Priore, all the coaches are great. They love me and I love them. It was great to finally announce my commitment to them?
Are you hinting that you were a silent commit to UPenn for a spell?
Yes, for a couple of months.
Where do they see you lining up and/or being utilized within their scheme?
Coach Metzler said I have great skill and that I can play anywhere on their offensive line. They will start me at tackle first to see where I am at with my strength and reach. From there I will either go to guard or center.
Having accomplished this major life achievement, and to an Ivy League school, how does it feel knowing you will play college football at one of the country’s top academic universities?
It is surreal. I have worked day in and out. I am so thankful to my parents and everyone else who has fed into the process for me. It is surreal playing D-I football at a great program with great academics. It is crazy.
Devin, it was great covering ground with you today on your workouts and commitment. Thank you, and good luck this fall preparing for your senior season.
Thank you.
Spencer’s Offer Sheet: Brown, Bryant, Columbia, Dartmouth, Eastern Washington, Lake Erie, Lehigh, Northern Arizona, Pennsylvania, San Diego, and Valparaiso
Photo credit: Spencer family; Devin Spencer