Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/99573
n f l b o i le r s Livin' Large Spencer turning into big-time player in Dallas BY KYLE CHARTERS KCharters@GoldandBlack.com S ince he started in the NFL — and he's become a star now in his sixth season — Anthony Spencer hasn't had an opportunity to watch the Boilermakers in person. He's seen an occasional game on television, including Purdue's last-second loss to Notre Dame earlier this year, but nothing else. But that could change on the first day of 2013, when the Dallas Cowboys' linebacker could be in the stands, or perhaps even on the sidelines, for the Boilermakers' Heart of Dallas Bowl game vs. Oklahoma State on New Year's Day. "I definitely want to get out there to see the game," Spencer said via phone prior to the Cowboys' Week 15 tilt vs. Pittsburgh. Spencer would not only like to be in Dallas on Jan. 1, two days after the Cowboys' season-finale at Washington, but far longer, too. That might hinge, though, on whether the linebacker can get a long-term deal with the franchise. The former Boilermaker defensive end is playing on a one-year deal, after he signed for the franchise tag, worth $8.8 million, last offseason to keep him in Dallas at least another year. And all he's done since is increase his value. Despite missing two games early in the year due to a pectoral strain, Spencer has put together his best statistical season. Through only 12 games, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound outside linebacker already has career bests of 80 tackles and 10 sacks, with two forced fumbles. Over a 16-game schedule, that'd equate to 107 tackles and 13.5 sacks, AllPro-type numbers. "It's just work," he explained. "It's working on little stuff, my body, practice. That's all it really is." Spencer's season is reminiscent of his last year at Purdue. In 2006, the Fort Wayne native was the most focused of his career, and it showed. Spencer had 93 tackles, including 26.5 for loss and 10.5 sacks, with six pass breakups, five forced fumbles and a recovery. It elevated Spencer, a Scout.com All-American, to a first-round selection of the '07 draft, taken No. 26 overall by Dallas. Now, he'd like another huge season to result in another big payoff, possibility a long-term deal with the Cowboys. "I really wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here," Spencer said. Spencer credits his performance to work that started Dallas Cowboys Anthony Spencer has elevated his status in the Big D and hopes to see his Boilermakers play New Year's Day. two offseasons ago. Then, when the league had locked out its players during a labor disagreement, Spencer was forced to work out on his own. And he did similar to what he had done prior to his senior year at Purdue, looking at film of his own previous play to examine areas where he could make improvements. "The main thing is being consistent," he said. "And I just went back and looked at the things I needed to work on, like leg strength and hand placement, a lot of little stuff that I thought could make my game better. "And this is my second year with Rob Ryan's defense, so being adjusted to that part also helps out a lot." Spencer, aside from Games 4 and 5 when he was out with the injury, has largely been a con- sistent performer. Inside linebackers Sean Lee and Bruce Carter are on injured reserve, which left Spencer to pick up some of the defensive playcalling responsibilities midseason. Those added duties haven't affected his play, at least not adversely. In a four-week span from Games 12-15, he had 33 tackles and 5.5 sacks, probably the most disruptive stretch in his NFL career. "It's not that I'm rushing more or doing anything really different, I'm just comfortable with the places I'm put in and my teammates around me," he said. "And knowing what the guys are going to do. I know the defense much better." It could help Spencer command big numbers in the offseason, but he's not ready for that yet. First, the Cowboys have the rest of the season to TWIN CITY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM 34 • Gold & Black IllustrateD • volume 23, issue 3 650 Sagamore Parkway South Lafayette, IN 47905 See the 2011 Jeep Wrangler! 800-562-4581 twincitysuperstore.com GBIprint.com GoldandBlack.com