New Hogs Linebacker Looking to Build on Opening Week

Brad Spence looks to establish more trust with coach Sam Pittman after being a revelation

Author:
Daniel Shi
Publish date:
Sep 9, 2023 2:32 PM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A week after making a dream Razorback debut and collecting an 85-yard pick-six against Western Carolina, freshman outside linebacker Brad Spence looks to carry that momentum into Saturday's clash with Kent State.

Originally a 24& 3-star recruit from Houston, Spence enrolled early and quickly caught the attention of coach Sam Pittman and defensive coordinator Travis Williams.

"He has a physical presence," Williams said. "He comes in and you can see him, he looks like he’s a sophomore or junior in college. He has heavy hands and does a really good job striking. Has really good change of direction. And he has really good speed... So, the sky is the limit for him."

Spence played 19 snaps in the season opener and his 85-yard return to the house was the longest interception return for a touchdown since 2014, it was Spence's first at any level of football.

"Sort of like the right place, right time thing," Spence said. "You know, I played two coverages and I ended up seeing the ball and I had ball instincts. So, seeing the ball and went to go get it and it was like a shock when I caught it. I only saw green so I just ran to the touchdown."

The true freshman has learned the new defense quickly, but even he is pleasantly surprised at just how quickly things have moved along.

"I knew there was a lot of guys around me," Spence said. "I was really coming in to soak up a lot of information on how to play the game of linebacker at the collegiate level. I was really just hoping to display my skills on the field, and it all came true."

Every season, teams are looking for hidden gems that overperform their preseason expectations. The emergence of Spence makes the linebacker room that much deeper and bodes well for the Hogs as conference play inches closer.