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+---- Thread: A Football Life: Marc Spector (/showthread.php?tid=2313)
A Football Life: Marc Spector - RedCydranth - 07-18-2017
Marc Spector's story isn't one of rags to riches like a lot of NSFL athletes. No, he was born with privilege. Some would say he was born with a silver spoon. The eldest son of multi-millionaire Damien Spector, owner of New York's second largest media corporation, Spectrum Media, Marc was given everything he ever wanted in life. From a very young age he fell in love with the sport of football. However, his mother Stephanie wanted him to have the best education. He was enrolled in St. Francis of Xavier boys school. Known for preparing their students to be lawyers, financial gurus, doctors and politicians, St. Francis of Xavier has a very minimalist athletic program.
Still, Marc's love for the sport and natural talent shined through. As a sophomore in high school he started on the Varsity team as the team's leading WR and kick return specialist. However, the team failed as a whole every year. In his senior year, a scout attended a game against West Harrison High, initially looking at one of West Harrison's safeties who had made quite an impact. The scout watched Marc outplay West Harrison's defender and score 2 TDs. After the game the scout went down and met with Marc. He was impressed with how smart and articulate he was, even though his team had just lost 13 to 42.
A couple weeks later Marc received a phone call from a scouting agency. Apparently the scout had spread word of this kid from New Rochelle who had a solid physique and good skills. Several colleges had interest suddenly. Many had reservations though because being the only good player on a terrible team can be misleading as to how good one really is. A week later several scouts held a physical to see what Marc had. He impressed many, but none as much as a man named David Rollis. Rollis was assistant head coach of the Rice Owls. He was convinced Marc had exactly what his team needed. He offered Marc a complete scholarship.
Although it required moving from New York to Houston, Texas, Marc made the decision to go to Rice. His father was not pleased, however. Damien had always envisioned his son going to Brown, like he had. He wanted his son to be a businessman like himself. But Marc decided to follow his dreams of being a professional football player. Marc flew down to Houston and enrolled at Rice.
His rookie year at Rice was not as easy as he had thought it would be. He was slightly overwhelmed at the complexity of the playbook. The offensive formations seemed to confuse him. Coach Rollis worked with him closely to get him in the same page as the quarterback. But he was always a step ahead or behind. Rollis was frustrated because he knew Spector had talent.
One morning before practice, the squad was messing around playing a game of pick up flag football. Marc was on defense against a junior starting WR. Twice the QB tried to get the ball past Marc's reach but he defended the passes deflecting the ball away from the receivers fingers. The QB was frustrated and called a deep out play, knowing his receiver was faster. At the snap, the receiver sped down field. Marc was right behind him. The Quarterback launched the ball, spiraling towards the receiver. Marc looked back and saw the ball on it's way, timed his jump and stuck his hand up right when the ball was descending into the vicinity. He snagged it from between the receiver's outstretched hands and came down with the interception. At first the QB and receiver were pissed but then they both realized their rookie receiver was much better suited to play defense.
Rollis tested out their theory and began running him on the defensive side of the ball. Time and time again Marc was able to defend the pass or tackle the receiver for minimal gain. By the third week of the college season, Marc was starting at corner. He finished his rookie season with 4 interceptions and 53 tackles. After his second year, he had 7 interceptions and 76 tackles. He was one of Rice's best players.
Off the field, Marc took his education seriously. He studied Architecture and Engineering. In between games and practices he dedicated his time to classes. Even during the off-season he took more classes. He would up with 3 years towards his bachelor's degree in Architecture after only 2 years. He didn't partake in the party scene and preferred to spend any leisure time reading books or in the gym working out, listening to books on tape.
After completing his second year at Rice, Marc decided to declare himself eligible for the NSFL Draft. He got the blessing of Assistant coach Rollis. He eagerly looks forward to advancing his game further and becoming part of an organization willing to help him in his journey forward. He intends on continuing his college career in Architecture in the off season.
(838 words, ready to grade)
Graded
A Football Life: Marc Spector - Silver Fox - 07-18-2017
Nice!