Sean Spence

Sean Spence (born June 7, 1990) is an American football linebacker chosen in the 3rd round, 86th overall, of the 2012 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami, where he was named 2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year.

High school career
At Miami Northwestern High School, Spence was part of the 2007 national championship team as chosen by USA Today. His teammates included Lavonte David, Marcus Forston, Jacory Harris, Tommy Streeter, and Brandon Washington. As a senior, made more than 100 tackles, with three quarterback sacks, two interceptions (one for a TD). As a junior in 2006, made 147 tackles, 10 for losses, with two interceptions (one for a touchdown) and three sacks.

Spence played in the inaugural Under Armour All-America Game. Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Spence was listed as the No. 13 outside linebacker in the nation.

College career
Playing as a true freshman, Spence was a starter in Miami’s final eight games, and ranked third on the team with 62 tackles to go along with 7.5 tackles for loss, and a pair of sacks. He was named to College Football News′ All-Freshman first team, as well as Rivals.com′s 2008 Freshman All-America team. Four weeks into the 2010 season, Spence had team-highs in tackles (38) and tackles for loss (6.5) in only four games. At the end of the 2011 season, Spence earned first-team All-ACC recognition for the 2011 season. The senior captain, who tied for fifth place in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 106 total tackles in 2011, ended the year second among all NCAA players with 47 career tackles for loss, including 14.0 in 2011. A semifinalist for the Butkus Award, Spence averaged 9.64 tackles per game (fourth in conference) and 1.27 tackles for loss per game (third in conference) in 2011. He finished the season with three sacks, one pass break-up and one forced fumble.

Professional career
Spence was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft (86th overall). He suffered a serious knee injury during the preseason and was declared out for the entire 2012 season.