Q&A with Illinois--DT--Akeem Spence

Recently, I had the chance to talk football, NFL draft and life after football with one of the most gregarious players I have had the pleasure to speak with in star defensive tackle, Akeem Spence.

Footballdialogue: What is your official size and weight?

Akeem:  I am 6’0 ½ and 307

FD: What other sports did you play in high school?

Akeem: Track and Field and enjoyed weightlifting.

FD: How did you come to pick Illinois?

Akeeem:  It’s actually funny as they were not on my radar at until I came for a visit.   I then fell in love with the place.  The coaches knew my high school coach and I really enjoyed the weather and the idea of a fresh start.

FD:  What has been your best memory at Illinois?

Akeem:  2010 Texas Bowl vs. Baylor when we got to beat RG3.

FD:  Where was your favorite place to play on the road in the Big Ten?

Akeem:  I loved the crowds at Penn State and Michigan. It was awesome to play in front of that many people.

FD:  If a scout wanted a tape of you at your best what game would you give him?

Akeem: Against Purdue and Wisconsin this year.

FD:  Who was the toughest opponent you faced in college and at Illinois?

Akeem:  Opponent wise no doubt Travis Fredrick from the University of Wisconsin and at Illinois it was Graham Pocic.   It was fun to battle with Graham in practice.

FD:   What do you say if you heard someone say you weren’t much of a pass rusher with only 3.5 sacks?

Akeem:  I can see where that comes from but the truth is I was close a lot of times.   I faced some great players and double teams a lot.

FD: What do you rather a 34 or 43 defense?

Akeem:   I always like a 43 defense more. 

FD: Who was your favorite player or team growing up?

Akeem:  Without a doubt Peyton Manning is my guy.

FD:  Who was your biggest role model growing up?
Akeem:  Warren Sapp was someone I modeled my game and myself after.

FD:  I saw you received your degree in communications so is it safe to assume you are headed to the booth after your career is over?

Akeem:  Yes, that is my plan when it is all over.   I want to be part of the game and that feels like the path this big defensive linemen will head after the football career is over

FD:  What is your twitter name?

Akeem:   I actually don’t have a twitter account.  I have not yet joined the Twitter revolution.