“He Is On His Way To Greatness”
July 31st, 2016
Rave reviews
Bucs defensive tackle Akeem Spence has only been on the practice field a few times this summer with the man that shares his last name, rookie defensive end/outside linebacker Noah Spence. But already, the elder Spence has a word for him.
“Greatness.”
Joe had a chance to chat with Akeem Spence after practice today and, among other subjects, Joe asked for his impressions of the rookie from Eastern Kentucky. Akeem Spence simply gushed about the 2016 second round pick.
“He is on his way to greatness,” Spence said. “If you just watch the way he practices, the special talent that God gave him, his ability and speed and the ability to turn the corner, you can see in Year 1 he is special.
“With Coach [Jay] Hayes fine-tuning him, we plan to let him go. On third down, we need him on the field to get those big sacks. He’s shown some special things in these first few days of camp already. He’s turned the coaches’ heads and he’t turned our heads.
“We are happy we got him in the draft. Hey, I’m glad he’s got my last name.”
Noah Spence is known for his lightning-quick first few steps. Gerald McCoy is thought to have the quickest get-off on a snap for a defensive tackle in the NFL (don’t believe Joe? Just ask Warren Sapp who claims GMC is better at that than he was.) The duo sort of gave Bucs fans at practice this morning, the first practice in pads, a taste of what might come. Twice, GMC and Spence flew past blocks and chased America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, out of the pocket.
Could there finally be a pass rush in Tampa Bay that might keep opposing quarterbacks awake at night? Akeem Spence thinks so.
“[Quarterbacks] already freak out when they see 93 lined up across form them,” Spence said. “Guys game plan for him alone. With Noah now in this league, teams haven’t seen him much. We’ve seen what he brought to the table. By Week 5 or Week 6, his name is going to be known around the league.”
Just like many fans have been screaming for over the past decade, and surely since Michael Bennett was let go for no good reason, it seems the Bucs have finally had an epiphany that they need an edge rusher to not only put heat on a quarterback, but to free up GMC. Akeem Spence explained.
“It helps immensely,” Spence said of outside pressure. “It makes sure that guard is coming off of us [to help his tackle]. So that frees us up for some one-on-ones inside. Let 93 do his thing on the inside.”
Spence also added that it won’t be just GMC who will take advantage of Noah Spence’s talents. So too will Jacquies Smith on the left side.
“He’s ready to tear it up,” Spence said of Smith. The addition of Noah Spence is “just what the doctor ordered.”
July 31st, 2016 at 12:22 pm
Whoo!!!! Reading this got me TURNT UP. Football can’t get here fast enough.
I just want to thank the “JOE’S” for this GREAT website and sanctuary for hardcore buc fans. I don’t comment all the time, but I read the articles and comments EVERY DAY. From he bottom of my heart this out of state bucs fan thanks you “JOE’S”
GO BUCS
IN LICHT I TRUST
July 31st, 2016 at 12:24 pm
How can this post not get any bucs fan fired up for this season? I get to see my boys 3 times when they come to the west coast 😉
July 31st, 2016 at 12:25 pm
Thanks for the kind words man. And thank you for your support.
July 31st, 2016 at 12:25 pm
All Hail SPAWN. No disrespect to the great Semioen Rice but Spawn will make all of you that lament over what was and what we haven’t had since his leaving this team forget about him.
July 31st, 2016 at 12:27 pm
Music to my ears!
July 31st, 2016 at 12:28 pm
This kid is going to play with a chip on his shoulder and prove it was a mistake that other teams passed on him in the first round.
July 31st, 2016 at 12:29 pm
OBJ just got carted of the practice field with a leg injury, their not sure what it is yet
July 31st, 2016 at 12:35 pm
I’m saying Kwon-Spawn-VH3 the New Breed because I’m trying to get some to recognize how lethal this trio is about to be over the years to come. Like Akeem noted,Spawn has God given edge rush ability. Kwon roaming the middle and blitzing inside like today’s videos displayed along wit VH3 totally taking #1s out of OCs game plan. How can you not see how devastating this defense is about to be over the next few years man. How can you not see it.
July 31st, 2016 at 12:45 pm
After Licht selected VH3 and Spawn the draft was a wrap. Five years from now we will be viewed as having had the best draft in 2016. Those two will be All-Pros.
July 31st, 2016 at 12:56 pm
Wow..I am so fired up right now..Noah, is the missing piece we so needed..
July 31st, 2016 at 12:57 pm
I am still amazed this guy lasted until the 2nd. I went on the board several times saying I wouldn’t fear the pick at #9. I also said later my dream scenario was that we get VHIII at 9 then comeback in somehow if he slipped later in the first. His tape was freaky good. He has Vonn Miller stuff. The fact that he was willing to run at the combine even with a bad hammy shows he’s a gamer. Lets hope he stays healthy!
July 31st, 2016 at 1:01 pm
@Nole
Preach it brother! I see it…I see it!!!
July 31st, 2016 at 3:14 pm
I have high hopes for Noah. His speed gives him a great chance for success coming off the edge but strenght is an equalizer in this league. Gotta have both to become the franchise end we are all dreamib of.
July 31st, 2016 at 8:32 pm
Noah is the real deal. If he can hold that perimeter on running plays he can stay on the field until he takes himself out for Gatoraid. Akeem is the strongest player on Defense and needs to alternate with McDonald. This will be the biggest defensive turnaround for the Bucs since Dungy’s team. I see a big year for Smith on the other side too. Everybody is grasping this new defense quickly.