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UCLA Commit Octavius Spencer: Ready to Work
News Jun 25, 2015
- Photo by Terry Miller
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Octavius Spencer leading the 2014-2015 Monrovia Wildcats out during his senior season – Photo By Jacob Bigley
By Jacob Bigley
Octavius Spencer will be playing on a much bigger stage this fall as he moves from Monrovia High School Field to Rose Bowl Stadium. The 6’2’’, 175lb DB/WR officially announced his commitment to UCLA back on December 16th. Aside from UCLA, Spencer received offers from other PAC-12 competitors: Oregon, Washington and Cal. In an interview with Beacon Media, Spencer said he felt an immediate connection with UCLA’s campus, coaches, staff and players. He said, “I’m ready to make the most of this entire experience both on the field and in the classroom.”
Spencer was always on the field in high school, playing offense, defense and special teams. When asked about how he expects his skill set to transition into college he replied, “I see myself doing the same thing I did in high school, playing both sides of the ball. At all times … my mentality both on and off the field is that of an alpha male.” However, if he had to choose just one position (a difficult question he gets asked all the time) he would “probably say receiver because I like having the ball in my hands and controlling the tempo of the game.”
He made it clear that “honestly, I will do whatever it takes to make the team win. If I have to play kicker, punter, linebacker or anything else, I would do whatever it takes to help my team.”
His speed is what separated him in high school; however, Division 1 football in the PAC-12 is a whole other level of athleticism, speed, and strength. This is something Spencer understands and is already preparing for: “I already started preparing myself for this season: running hills, training, and weightlifting – just getting myself faster and stronger so I can be at my best for the upcoming season.”
Talking about why he chose UCLA, Spencer said, “It just came down to me and my family talking it out. The morning of my visit, the coaches there made me feel a part of the team already. So that in itself made me want to go to UCLA; along with the education and it being a prestigious school.”
Courtesy Photo
The recruitment process was enjoyable for Spencer. He talked about his relationship with the players, coaches and staff. “Me and Coach Mora have a very good relationship. Having that time to get to know Coach Mora and most of the other coaches just helped me feel a part of the team that much faster.”
Being a part of something bigger than himself, regardless of the circumstances, comes from his family: “My whole drive comes from my family and what I’ve been through my whole life; they are what motivates me and drives me to be the best person and player I can be. When we lost our house this past year during football season, it was a hard time for us because we were going through the recruitment process while trying to figure out where I was going to stay the next day. So that was probably the biggest obstacle we faced together and are still facing today.”
Spencer was just as excited about his educational success; he plans to study either Public Relations or Exercise Science. He said, “The plan would be to make it to the NFL but the main goal is to get the degree from UCLA and further my education. So if football doesn’t work out, I have that degree in either public relations or exercise science and I can make it work from there.”
Arial shot of the Rose Bowl Stadium – Home of the UCLA Bruins – Photo By Terry Miller
The UCLA Bruins play at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Spencer spoke about stepping onto that field for the first time and stated, “Honestly, it feels amazing to be a part of such a historic and prestigious program. All I can say is that I cannot wait to play for my state and the University of California Los Angeles. I’m just really excited. I can already imagine it right now. It’s going to be an unexplainable feeling and I’ll be lost for words. Honestly, I don’t know. I’m speechless right now just talking about it.”
Ocatvius Spencer is much more than just a great football player. He appears to understand that playing at the next level is a privilege and one that he does not take lightly. When asked what aspect of college he is looking most forward to, he stated, “I’m most looking forward to getting to know the rest of the team, staff, and coaches. Getting to know the campus better, furthering my education, and just having fun and enjoying college. They say these are supposed to be the best years of your life.”
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