"I called the staff at Ole Miss to let them know I was coming," said
an excited Ike Spearman. "They were definitely excited, like me. I think
both sides just feel very good about it. I think we are just both ready for
me to get started. I want to get down there as soon as I can."
Scout.com's No. 83 rated outside linebacker felt like Ole Miss was the right fit
for him for several reasons.
"I had a really good feeling about the school every time I went down there
and visited. Out of all of the schools I have been to, Ole Miss felt the most
at home. I have been talking to them more and more lately. And after seeing their
interest was still high on me after looking at my senior film, they felt like
I could get on the field early and get some early playing time. I thought it
was the right time to do it. I feel like I have made a really good decision."
Ike expands on his expectations at Ole Miss and where the program is headed.
"I feel really good about my ability to play early, and they think I am
one of the best WLB out there. I definitely want to start a new winning tradition
at Ole Miss and be a part of a really good young team. I know what I can do,
and I am going to show everyone else what I can do."
Who else was under consideration?
"Cinci (Cincinnati), Louisville, UCLA, and Minnesota were the other schools I was considering."
The Lake Central standout has finished his regular season and is gearing up
for the playoff stretch.
"We had a great regular season. We finished 8-1 and now we face Marryville
Friday. I feel like like I have improved a lot from last season. I am playing
at a lot of different positions than last year and that has helped me become
more versatile. Last year we played a 4-3 defense, and I was a middle linebacker.
This year we are playing a 3-4, and I play outside linebacker. On some formations
I line up at strong safety and this week I am playing free safety. That has
helped me out a lot learning to play a lot of different positions on the field.
It helps me become more versatile and how to make plays from all over the field."
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker has seen several improvements in his game
this fall.
"I just got so much stronger in the off season and that definitely helped
me out in the running game. I also improved my speed and that has helped me
get more comfortable in the passing game."
Ike finished the regular season with 95 tackles, 25 for losses, 7 sacks, 2 blocked
punts, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4 forced fumbles.