Spencer Larsen

[Broncos4Life]

Woo Hoo! Arizona!
Anybody have the scouting report for this guy? I think I read somewhere that he has good instincts and takes good angles. Not real fast though.

[MadCity]

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/ilb/spencerlarsen.html

Strengths:
Decent size and bulk...Smart with great instincts and awareness...Intense with a non-stop motor...Does a decent job of taking on and shedding blockers..Will come up and fill versus the run..Hard worker and team leader with excellent intangibles.

Weaknesses:
Stiff and is not a great natural athlete...Timed speed is well below average...Does not have fluid hips and is a liability in coverage...Just a marginal tackler...Isn't very powerful...Has trouble in space...Range is real limited...Doesn't have much upside.

Notes:
Spent 2003 and 2004 on a Mormon Mission in Chile....His wife, Ann, gave birth to their first child, son Tyton, in April of '07..Was essentially a four-year starter in the Pac-10...Has experience at both inside and outside linebacker...Missed some time with an ACL injury in 2005...Classic overachiever who is a good football player but does not have the physical tools you look for...At best a two-down thumper at the next level and in reality he's probably best suited for backup / special teams duty.

[Doggcow]

This guy is high class. I watched a report on him. Plus he tore us up.

I think he'll start in a year, maybe sub in some this year.

[DenverBrit]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/spencer-larsen?id=272

Has some good info and combine video.

[SoDak Bronco]

he is 25 years old..should be a special teamer..

[Broncoman13]

Dude single handedly shut John Stewart down this year. He was sticking him and Stewart wasn't falling forward for an extra couple yards!!! Good instincts. High character. Not a good athelete but neither was David Harris.

[iforgotmypassword]

i like the pick... has the attitude of guys you build championships with

[yerner]

he likes knock the piss out of people.

[SoDak Bronco]

Denver is really building with high character football players...this will help the team going forward..nice draft so far..lets get a sleeper in the 7th...

[Broncosfreak_56]

Speaking on a teleconference after being selected with the Broncos' sixth-round pick, former Arizona linebacker Spencer Larsen prefers to consider himself more experienced than other draftees, not older.

After playing as a freshman, Larsen served a two-year Mormon mission in Chile before returning to the Wildcats in 2005.

After returning from the mission, the 6-1, 242-pounder completely tore an ACL in just his second practice. He was back on the playing field in 4 1/2 months.

"I'm a very young 24; I feel very young," said Larsen, who registered 131 tackles last fall as a senior , including a Pac-10 Conference-leading 87 solo stops. "A lot of the guys I was at the (NFL) combine with were 22 or 23 years old. Throughout the draft process, my age seemed more of a positive than a negative."

Larsen said Broncos coach Mike Shanahan told him that he would work at middle linebacker but also could get a look at fullback. Larsen said he hasn't played fullback since high school.

"I'll do whatever it takes to get on the field," he said.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_9075731

This guy seems really tough and physical. Could be a good fullback.

[CBF1]

Larsen said Broncos coach Mike Shanahan told him that he would work at middle linebacker but also could get a look at fullback. Larsen said he hasn't played fullback since high school.

"I'll do whatever it takes to get on the field," he said.

Why not just draft a freekin FB and stop trying to convert others to play out of position ???

[Ziggy]

Larsen said Broncos coach Mike Shanahan told him that he would work at middle linebacker but also could get a look at fullback. Larsen said he hasn't played fullback since high school.

"I'll do whatever it takes to get on the field," he said.

Why not just draft a freekin FB and stop trying to convert others to play out of position ???

Because this guy gives us depth at MLB also?

[footstepsfrom#27]

Larsen said Broncos coach Mike Shanahan told him that he would work at middle linebacker but also could get a look at fullback. Larsen said he hasn't played fullback since high school.

"I'll do whatever it takes to get on the field," he said.

Why not just draft a freekin FB and stop trying to convert others to play out of position ???
My thoughts exactly. This guy's a nice throwback type player you used to see a lot of but does he have the athletic ability to play in the NFL? I'm asking because I don't know not because I'm saying he doesn't. The scout reports make him sound like a very average athlete who is an over achiever type. Sounds like special teams candidate.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Larsen said Broncos coach Mike Shanahan told him that he would work at middle linebacker but also could get a look at fullback. Larsen said he hasn't played fullback since high school.

"I'll do whatever it takes to get on the field," he said.

Why not just draft a freekin FB and stop trying to convert others to play out of position ???

Easy - Because they think the remaining FBs suck

[Broncos4Life]

The guy is a football player. WTF is the problem?

[Broncos4Life]

The guy is a football player. WTF is the problem?

[elsid13]

My thoughts exactly. This guy's a nice throwback type player you used to see a lot of but does he have the athletic ability to play in the NFL? I'm asking because I don't know not because I'm saying he doesn't. The scout reports make him sound like a very average athlete who is an over achiever type. Sounds like special teams candidate.

Larsen has the ability to play in NFL as MLB. He isn't a three down player but will have the ability to stop the run and take on blockers. He was an OLB in Pac -10 so he does have physical ability to play in the league.

[BritBronco Maniac]

I think the FB use may change since they drafted Hillis

[Sodak]

If Den. keeps drafting Mormons the character issues will stop.

[watermock]

Reminds me of Meck, I hope.

He also reminds me of that Ranger who died in Afghanistan, friend of Lynch's. Arizona too.

[SureShot]

Reminds me of Meck, I hope.

He also reminds me of that Ranger who died in Afghanistan, friend of Lynch's. Arizona too.

Tillman-ASU

[Kaylore]

I strongly approve of this pick. Any team with a Mormon is instantly better. ;D

[mhgaffney]

Omg

[lex]

I think Goff would have been a better pick had we not fubared that pick on Torain but Im quite pleased we drafted Larsen. I saw him vs USC and Oregon, and one other game and he was outstanding...especially vs USC and Oregon. He's slow but read and react is a big part of playing LB. Being fast actually means you could be further out of position if you cant read the play right. I really like this pick. Larsens a gamer.

[Drek]

I can see why we'd get him in at FB some. We don't want to carry too many FBs, its not our style, and at the same time it'll imrpve his blocking so he'll be more versatile in special teams.

Larsen is a workhorse type with poor speed and good strength. Big character guy, a couple years older than most draftees. Not a bad guy to add, should help as depth that wouldn't make me want to throw up as a 1st and 2nd down injury replacement if Koutouvides gets hurt.

[Stormontheplains]

I think Goff would have been a better pick had we not fubared that pick on Torain but Im quite pleased we drafted Larsen. I saw him vs USC and Oregon, and one other game and he was outstanding...especially vs USC and Oregon. He's slow but read and react is a big part of playing LB. Being fast actually means you could be further out of position if you cant read the play right. I really like this pick. Larsens a gamer.

Torain was not a bad pick, watch and see.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Post says Larsen ran 4.68 in on campus workouts. That's not bad for a MLB.

[Killericon]

<dl><dt>Growing up, who was your favorite NFL player and why?</dt><dd>Barry Sanders. He played the game with passion and humility.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>In college, what player hit you the hardest? Who was the recipient of your best hit?</dt><dd>Stephen Jackson, OSU hit me. Punt returner for UCLA, I hit him.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>What TV-show marathon will keep you on the couch all day?</dt><dd>The Cosby Show.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>What are the five most-played songs in your iPod? What's the one song you hope nobody ever finds out is in your iPod?</dt><dd>Chris Ledox -- 8-second ride, Cadillac Ranch, This cowboy's hat, Garth Brooks -- Stand my outside the fire, Papa drove a truck. Song that I don't want people to know about -- Les Miserables -- One day more.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>What celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life and why?</dt><dd>Matt Damon, because people say we look alike.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>What is one thing your teammates don't know about you?</dt><dd>I read a lot.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>What reality TV show would you like to be on and why?</dt><dd>Survivor, it would be a good challenge.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>What's your proudest moment in football? Proudest moment off the field?</dt><dd>First-team All-Pac 10. Marriage, and birth of my son.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>When you play Madden, what team do you use? Do you put yourself on the team?</dt><dd>I don't play Madden, if I did I would play with the Steelers.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>Who has been the biggest influence on your football career and how?</dt><dd>I have had a lot of different coaches who have been big influences on my football career. Both position coaches in high school and college taught me the game and how to have fun.</dd></dl>

[That One Guy]

</dd></dl>

Wow, Mormon church drives me nuts but a Chris Ledoux and Garth Brooks fan? That more than makes up for it! 8 Second Ride and one of the all time greats, This Cowboy's Hat... That's freakin' awesome.

As for the player though, I read somewhere that he had very good short speed but his overall 40 was crappy. Anyone know the deal with that? I'd really like to think there's some competent competition (well that's strange to say) for Niko this year. I don't think anyone wins when there's no competition at a position.

[TheReverend]

Post says Larsen ran 4.68 in on campus workouts. That's not bad for a MLB.

It's very scheme dependent, but if you need to run a 40 at all at that spot, the rest of the team failed miserably. A 2 gap Mike needs that speed and athleticism to make the sideline to sideline play, and a Tampa 2 needs his deep drop in coverage, but neither should apply here... at least not on a common basis.

[lex]

Torain was not a bad pick, watch and see.


Yawn.

[skpac1001]

Edited: Stupid post.

[socalorado]

Larsen was another great pick.
I really like the middle rounds of this draft.
Great work ethic, and character.
Hes another guy that is going to impress us.

BIOGRAPHY: Full-time starter the past two seasons awarded All-Conference honors both years. Led Arizona in tackles last season totaling 131/15.5/4 while also intercepting one pass and breaking up five more. Junior-year totals included 89/10.5/2.

POSITIVES: Intense defender with a great head for the ball. Quickly reads the action, disciplined with assignments, and aggressive in all aspects of the game. Displays speed in pursuit, quick out to the flanks, and plays with a lot of explosion. Forceful up the field filling gaps in run defense. Possesses a terrific straight-line burst of speed. Efficient, takes good angles to the action, and sacrifices his body to make the tackle. Plays faster than his 40 time.

NEGATIVES: Easily locked up at the point by blocks and must do a better job using his hands to protect himself. Does not consistently play under control and pursues the action too aggressively at times. Average athlete with marginal skills in coverage.

ANALYSIS: Larsen is a high-motor defender who.s been very productive on the football field. His intangibles, smarts, and work ethic should get him drafted in the middle rounds and give him a chance to start at the next level.

[colonelbeef]

For some reason, Chris Spielman immediately came to mind when watching his college highlights

[Kaylore]

Wow, Mormon church drives me nuts

Ohhhhhh. Now it all makes sense. :~ohyah!:

[wabbit]

For some reason, Chris Spielman immediately came to mind when watching his college highlights

Ya know...same here.

I've always been partial to the worker bee types...they just get the job done.

Maybe not the flashiest, oohh & ahh fashion, but done just the same.

Mike Anderson is my favorite in this mold in recent years.

Wanna bet this fellow is an absolute demon on Special Teams, a la Steve Tasker-ish.

His LB talents may just be a bonus.

[bdv]

Wow, Mormon church drives me nuts...

You're not alone. Deity-warship organizations drive most people nuts. :contract: :loopy:

[That One Guy]

You're not alone. Deity-warship organizations drive most people nuts. :contract: :loopy:

I like the concept of church simply in that if that's what it takes to make people better in their daily lives, good for them. However, that one I can't support. I avoid politics and religion on here by rule because civilized discussion is impossible generally but I'm not an overall church hater, just that one.


And like I said, in this case his love for a good cowboy song more than makes up for it.

[bdv]

I like the concept of church simply in that if that's what it takes to make people better...
IF, and when, it makes some people better than they would otherwise be, I agree with you. But mostly religion is a crutch, making people intellectually lazy, giving people the "answers": about evolution, biology, geology, astrophysics, morals, etc. The wrong answers. Half of our country rejects evolution! Religion helps make people credulous and dumb.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=percent+believe+evolution

[Play2win]

Does this guy remind anybody else of Zack Thomas, at least a little bit?

Neither too fast, both drafted around the same time, and piled up a good number of tackles their last year in college. I hope everybody is pleasantly surprised with this guy.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

The Bigots are out in force today

[socalorado]

The Bigots are out in force today

Big time.
Who cares what this guy believes about God or evolution?
As long as he isnt getting DUI's or going out and beating Ho's in the strip club parking lot, and he's out on the field flying around making plays like he did at U of A, i think we can call him a success. :thumbs:

[BleedingOrange]

Definition of Theory is "best guess based on available evidence". Believing in evolution doesn't make it correct, just as not believing in it doesn't make it wrong. Insulting people's intelligence because they refuse to accept science's best guess as fact is wrong.

[socalorado]

http://cle.scout.com/2/744136.html

Heres a nice article i found on this guy from scouts.com


By Brent Sobleski (javascript:location.href='http://search.scout.com/a.z?s=149&p=4&c=1&search=1&sskey=%22' + escape('Brent Sobleski') + '%22&sssiteid=149';)
OBR Draft Analyst
Posted Apr 6, 2008

<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD class=storytitle colSpan=3>Sobo's Players of Interest #4: Spencer Larsen </TD></TR><TR><TD class=primaryimage vAlign=top>http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/36/365172.jpg

</TD><TD noWrap width=3></TD><TD vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 width="60%" bgColor=#f5f5f5 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=center noWrap>By Brent Sobleski (javascript:location.href='http://search.scout.com/a.z?s=149&p=4&c=1&search=1&sskey=%22' + escape('Brent Sobleski') + '%22&sssiteid=149';)
OBR Draft Analyst
Posted Apr 6, 2008
</TD><TD noWrap>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Looking for a mid to late-round linebacker who will arrive ready to play? Look no further.
</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>
Spencer Larsen (http://cle.scout.com/a.z?s=149&p=8&c=1&nid=3070458) MLB Arizona (http://arizona.scout.com/)<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O /><O:P></O:P>
SOBO SEZ: Mature. Productive. Nasty. These are words that describe the linebacker prospect Spencer Larsen. He's a player any aspiring football prospect should look up to learn how things should be done “the right way”.
Off the field, Larsen is a practicing Mormon, married, and has already started a family. On the field, he plays with mean streak and makes tackle after tackle after tackle. The 6' 1", 239-pound linebacker led the Pac 10 conference this season with 131 total tackles, 15.5 of which were for a loss, and registered 4 sacks.
Ball carriers have to be wary because the former Wildcat comes to tackle with bad intentions. The strongest part of his game is his ability to diagnose a developing play and work his way downhill.
Still, the Larsen's overall athleticism could be described generously as "limited". Recently, though, Larsen displayed a 4.29 short shuttle at the Arizona pro day. The time was as good as some cornerbacks in this draft, and it is evident Larsen is quick and explosive in small areas.
The short area quickness and physical nature of his game could make him an ideal fit as a 3-4 inside linebacker. The workouts also follow a very good performance at this year’s East/West Shrine Game where Larsen was named Most Valuable Player.
The former Arizona star is a slightly older prospect than most, and is already 24 years of age. Like recent Browns offensive lineman Kirk Chambers (http://cle.scout.com/a.z?s=149&p=8&c=1&nid=3661898), Larsen spent two years away from the gridiron doing missionary work. Teams will fall in love with Larsen’s intangibles and will be pleasantly surprised by the player that completes the package even as a potential late round prospect. <O:P></O:P>



</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[skpac1001]

Definition of Theory is "best guess based on available evidence". Believing in evolution doesn't make it correct, just as not believing in it doesn't make it wrong. Insulting people's intelligence because they refuse to accept science's best guess as fact is wrong.

I agree. In fact, one reason I like science is because nothing in science is holy, nothing is above question, nothing is "proven", everything can be attacked. Just so you know though, the "theory" of evolution has stronger empirical support then the current "theory" of gravity.

[socalorado]

I agree. In fact, one reason I like science is because nothing in science is holy, nothing is above question, nothing is "proven", everything can be attacked. Just so you know though, the "theory" of evolution has stronger empirical support then the current "theory" of gravity.

the "theory" of evolution.

"1st there was nothing, and then it exploded......"

:thanku:


Hey, uh what about Spencer Larsen?? Pretty good pick, huh!

[TheReverend]

the "theory" of evolution.

"1st there was nothing, and then it exploded......"

:thanku:


Hey, uh what about Spencer Larsen?? Pretty good pick, huh!

Yeah... kinetic energy versus your invisible man in the sky theory sounds pretty silly!

And none of this has to do Larsen on the field so who cares.

Here's what he brings to table in 08:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/90PYMdDjJlo&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/90PYMdDjJlo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[socalorado]

Yeah... kinetic energy versus your invisible man in the sky theory sounds pretty silly!

And none of this has to do Larsen on the field so who cares.

Here's what he brings to table in 08:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/90PYMdDjJlo&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/90PYMdDjJlo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

I dont believe in invisible men (aliens) or any Mormon stuff either. Really could care less about the whole stupid topic.Like i said before, lets stick to football.
That video is no longer available........sorta like evolution!!!!!! HAHAHA!


Just kidding!!!! Just kidding!!!!

[sirhcyennek81]

IF, and when, it makes some people better than they would otherwise be, I agree with you. But mostly religion is a crutch, making people intellectually lazy, giving people the "answers": about evolution, biology, geology, astrophysics, morals, etc. The wrong answers. Half of our country rejects evolution! Religion helps make people credulous and dumb.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=percent+believe+evolution


Evolution is a theory. Its not an absolute. People can believe what they like, beautiful part about living in this country.


:Broncos:

[Atwater His Ass]

All I see is a guy that is tough as nails with a non-stop motor. Good enough for me. We need guys like that.

[colonelbeef]

All I see is a guy that is tough as nails with a non-stop motor. Good enough for me. We need guys like that.

Agree. For the first time in a long time, watching the defense last year, at times I felt as though they were soft up the middle, and gave up far too easily when falling behind. The overall attitude of this team will have changed for the better. Guys like Larsen force the other players to match his intensity, for fear of getting embarrassed by the guy with "questionable athletic talent"

[no-pseudo-fan]

I've been saying it. We need football players not athletes. Athletic footballs are a plus, but I want a guy that plays with absolute passion for the game. That is what makes good players great and great players legends.

I hope that is what we got in this years crop of rookies.

[smalltowngrll]

Dude single handedly shut John Stewart down this year. He was sticking him and Stewart wasn't falling forward for an extra couple yards!!! Good instincts. High character. Not a good athelete but neither was David Harris.

I don't know about knocking him around. He still got 131 yard that game against AZ. Not too shabby. ;D Washington state held him to even less.

[DenverBroncosJM]

If Den. keeps drafting Mormons the character issues will stop.

I grew up in Vegas and let me tell yah the Mormon kids are some the wildest ones around!