La Salle WR Spencer-Lopez, Catching every Opportunity at it comes
Exclusive Interview with Isaiah Spencer-Lopez
Talent on the gridiron is easy to spot, especially when the player is 6-foot 5-inch, 190 pound, La Salle wide receiver Isiah Spencer-Lopez. Having a monster senior season, the big target is proving to be more than just a possession receiver or a red zone target that can get the jump ball tossed into the corner of the end zone. He’s proving to be an elite receiver at the high school level that has the potential to dominate at the Division-I level for years to come given the opportunity.
After five games Spencer has an Angelus League leading 525 yards receiving on 25 receptions with three touchdowns including a highlight reel eye popping 98-yard touchdown catch showing off a different gear on the field.
In an exclusive interview, Spencer sat down to talk about the 2014 football season and recruiting.
Isiah, you’re having a great start to the 2014 season, how did 2013 end up for you?
“I had to sit out the first five games after transferring from St. John Bosco. I ended up tying the team lead with seven receiving touchdowns.”
Transferring from St. John Bosco had to be tough knowing they won the high school national championship last season.
“It was but I am happy at La Salle. I was able to help my new team go 9-1. We lost in the first round of the playoffs but I was happy to see my old team have a great season. I ran into (St. John Bosco quarterback) Josh Rosen at the UCLA game last weekend. We had a chance to catch up. It was good seeing him.”
How do the Lancers look so far in 2014?
“We are looking better and better. We are still trying to mix everything together and we are in a new league. We had a tough loss against St. Paul (28-21) in our last game. We had six turnovers in the game but still managed to keep it close.”
What are your strengths on the field as a wide receiver?
“Catching the ball, no matter where the ball is I’m going to get it. After the catch I’m strong at turning up field and getting extra yards.”
What are your goals for the 2014 football season?
“Giving the team my best effort and helping lead us to the CIF. Personally I’d like over 1,000 yards receiving on the year.”
Which game has been your best game this season?
“My best game was either the St. Paul or Maranatha game. I had six catches, two touchdowns, and 137 yards against St. Paul. One of the touchdowns was a 98-yard one handed catch. Against Maranatha I had eight catches for 159 yards with a touchdown.”
How has your role change this year compared to last season?
“Last year the coaches just had me at wide receiver. This year I’ve become a main guy. I’m playing tight end in big man package, playing some cornerback too in different packages. On defense the coaches like how I can press and jam the receivers at the line because I have long arms.”
You’re having a great season so far, what schools are recruiting you?
“Arizona State, Louisville, San Diego State, Washington, UCLA, Washington State, Arizona, San Jose State, and Nevada have all expressed interest.”
What feedback have the schools given you?
“They like my size and how I pick up yards after the catch. All of the schools pretty much just want to see my midseason highlight reel and we’ll go from there.”
Did you attend any camps over the summer?
“I went to the UCLA, ASU, Fresno State, SDSU, and SJSU camps.”
Do you play any sports other than football?
“I’m a starter on our varsity basketball team. I averaged 6 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots a game last year. I was Second-Team All-League and the Defensive Player of the Year for La Salle.”
What is your favorite part of playing football?
“I love the sport, its fun. I love making that big catch, the feeling you get after scoring, and having all my teammates come over to celebrate with me.”
Who has helped guide you and inspire you on the football field?
“My mom and my entire family have always been there to guide me. They’ve kept my head in the game and have pushed me to get better.”
Spencer is off to a monster year but the stats only tell one part of the story. La Salle is averaging 174.5 passing yards per game, Spencer is picking up half those yards averaging 87.5 per contest.
Some lucky Division-I program will make a scholarship offer that not only changes Mr. Spencer’s life going forward but helps some coach win games at the collegiate level for years to come. For now the big question is which lucky program will it be?
Photo credit: pasadenastarnews.com; Isaiah Spencer-Lopez
Photo credit: Maranatha staff (name unknown); Isaiah Spencer-Lopez vs. Maranatha