2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Spencer Blackburn, C, Eastern Washington University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Spencer Blackburn
- Eastern Washington University
- C
- 6’2”
- 290 LBS.
- Hometown: Bellingham, WA
- Twitter: @SBlackburn_75
2019 Accolades and Statistics:
- 2019 First Team All-Big Sky.
- 2019 AFCA Football Championship Subdivision Coaches’ All-America First Team.
- 2019 AP FCS All-America First Team.
- 2019 STATS FCS All-America Third Team.
- William V. Campbell Trophy Finalist.
- 2019 Team Co-Captain.
- GP: 12
After three straight seasons of making the All-Big Sky Second Team, you earned First Team honors this season. What a career and what a way to go out as an Eagle. Does the feeling of making an All-Conference team get old, or is it like Christmas morning each year?
It’s just as exciting every year. Being an offensive lineman there is not much that gives you a pat on the back or brings any attention to you as a player. Receiving accolades such as that one is one thing that gives you a sense of accomplishment.
What have you taken away the most from the Coach Best, Coach Butorac, and the rest of the EWU coaching staff?
“Everyone in life has 24 hours in their day, how you use that is up to you.” That is a quote of a saying that coach Best loves to use, and it resides deep with me because I like to take pride in being productive and not wasting my time. If I am going to do something, I am an all or nothing kind of guy. I am not here to waste mine or someone else’s time.
You’re a Professional Accounting and Economics major. When football is over, what do you aspire to do with that degree?
When football is over, I plan on working at an accounting firm. I am beginning a job as a staff auditor starting in January and I plan on training for the league as well. When I am all done with football I will be working towards my CPA and I will work from thereon.
What separates you from other players on the offensive line?
I would say what separates me from other offensive lineman is my attention to detail and doing the little things right while being my own biggest critic. I always feel that there is something I can do better in and by having a mindset like that I am not someone that will get stagnant or feel like a finished product.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
I would have to say the best player that I have ever competed against would probably be Levi Onwuzurike from the University of Washington. He was extremely strong, with great length as well. He was definitely a hand full for the whole game.
Is there a current or former NFL player you emulate your game after?
Jason Kelce would be the player I emulate my game after the most being almost identical size and similar styles of play.
Let’s take a trip back to the first day of your freshman year at Meridian High School. What advice would you give yourself then, knowing what you know now?
Don’t try to please everyone, those closest to you are the most important.
If I’m in Cheney on a Saturday night during the Fall, where is the one place I have to eat?
Cheney does not have many options to eat out but if I had to pick one, I would send you to Arturos.
You’re in front of all 32 NFL General Managers and have 15 words or less to give them your pitch on why Spencer Blackburn will be an asset to their organization for years to come. What do you tell them?
I take pride in being the hardest worker in any room I am in.
