2016 NFL Draft: Noah Spence's road to redemption nears climax
Tuesday 26 April 2016 18:50, UK
If it is a story you are looking for heading into this year's NFL Draft, look no further than defensive end Noah Spence.
Spence's is a story of redemption - a gifted and exceptional talent who, after a number of self-confessed poor decisions, feared his career was over before it ever really got started.
Two failed drugs tests led to his eventual departure from Ohio State during their National Championship-winning season, and permanent exile from the Big Ten Conference.
Spence could have done any number of things in November 2014, when his college football career appeared to be collapsing around him. He might have given up, but he did not.
He also had the option of declaring for the 2015 NFL Draft. He was eligible, and could have banked on his exceptional showings on the field earning him a spot with a team.
Instead, Spence chose to leave the best team in the entire nation behind and sign up for Eastern Kentucky, a small school playing in what is, effectively, the second-tier of college football.
A season later, and the young defensive end has gone from a career on the brink of destruction, to the potential of going in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
On the field, Spence dominated. He racked-up 22.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks in his sole year at EKU. Off the field, he earned his university degree and proved his maturity.
"It's been a blessing. There were times when I didn't know if I'd be in this situation, so I'm just taking everything as a blessing," Spence told Sky Sports.
"I give a lot of credit to Eastern Kentucky for bringing me in after I got kicked out of school. All the coaching staff, my team-mates - they all treated me like family."
Spence had eight sacks during his sophomore year at Ohio State, prior to his starring role at Eastern Kentucky. He is a player with excellent speed, and undoubtedly one of the most gifted pass rushers in this year's class.
Despite getting his road to stardom back on track, Spence's recent journey to the Draft has often led to more questions about his off-field history, rather than his impressive 2015.
But, Spence does not let it get to him. In fact, he continues to fully accept his past mistakes, something which he believes has helped him become a better person, while also trying to prove those who think he is a 'risky' draft pick wrong.
"Going through any adversity, it's about having the drive to get back to where you want to be, and not giving up," added Spence.
"I think going through something like this makes a person better - especially when it comes to being off the field.
"It's still something that happened in my past. I don't think it's unfair or anything - I did it. I've just got to own up to it and take responsibility, and move forwards from here."
That is exactly what he has done. Spence's impressive on-field exploits in 2015 earned him a spot at the coveted Senior Bowl in January, once again allowing him to prove himself against some of the country's very best talent.
"It was very important for me [reaching the Senior Bowl]. It was a goal of mine from the beginning - I knew it was something I had to do," said Spence.
"I guess I was playing against, what some people would say, was lesser talent during the season. So I had to go up against some of the very best guys at the end of the season in the Bowl game."
No player shone in the game more than Spence, who looked every inch the elite talent from his early Ohio State days, with his natural speed, impressive array of rush moves and his natural athleticism, often leaving the opposing tackles chasing shadows.
It was a game that proved Spence is ready for the next level, and he knows that himself.
"I feel like I'm ready. Everything's gone pretty quickly. I've been taking everything as it comes, and trying my best," added Spence.
"You've just got to think about all your goals that are still ahead of you, and stay focused."
Come Thursday night, Spence will sit with his family at home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, waiting for the phone call of a lifetime.
He is eagerly anticipating the prospect of officially becoming an NFL player, but like many draft analysts, admits he is unsure as to just when during the draft that call will come.
"It's always been a dream of mine to be an NFL player - I'm blessed for the opportunity," said Spence.
"I don't really have any strong indications where I'll be drafted. The analysts have me going all over the place in this Draft.
"It might depend on all the stuff that I went through - I'm not sure, we'll have to wait and see."
So, we will do just that, wait and see where Spence ends up at the end of the weekend. Wherever and whenever it may be, it will be a fitting end to one of the Draft's most unique journeys to the top.
You can follow the 2016 NFL Draft on Sky Sports 1 from midnight on Thursday and with us here all week on www.skysports.com/nfl
