Defensive Lineman
Marcus Spears
College: Louisiana State
Year: Senior
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 297
Birthday: March 8, 1983
Marcus Spears is not an easy man to classify. Big and talented at just about all he does, for now it might be best to think of Spears as just a really good NFL prospect.
After starting his college career at LSU as a tight end, Spears made a switch to defensive end during the 2001 season and played both sides of the ball. After the season was over, he chose to walk away from the Tigers’ basketball team and focused solely on his new job of playing defense for the football team.
The move has paid off. Spears’ talent for exploding off the line and forcing his sizable frame into an opponent’s backfield was on display all year during the Tigers’ national championship season. Good at pass rushing and pursuit of the ball carrier, he capped off the year making an interception against the Sooners and returning it for what would prove to be a game-deciding touchdown in the third quarter of the title tilt.
Spears is not consistent enough as a run blocker to plug the middle of the Texans’ 3-4 defense, but having just scratched the surface of his ability as pass rusher, he might be ideal as an end in Houston’s scheme. There are some quiet concerns, however, that football only became his sport of choice after realizing his potential was higher there than with basketball, and that it may impact his desire to get better and achieve all of that potential. Still, more of what he produced in 2003, and the NFL will welcome Spears with open arms.
(profile written by Keith Weiland
)
Marcus Spears’ 2003 Stats G TCK TFL SKS FF FR 14 49 13 6 2 1 
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