2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Bo Spearman, LB, Austin Peay State University

• Name: Bo Spearman
• Position: LB
• College: Austin Peay State University
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 230 lbs
• X (Twitter): @BoSpearman3
• Instagram: @bospearman15

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I decided I wanted to be a football player really in the womb. Both my uncles on my dad and mom’s side played in the NFL before I was born. My uncle on my mom’s side: Marion Hobby is currently the defensive line coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college ball at the University of Tennessee. My uncle on my dad’s side: Armegis Spearman played linebacker at Ole Miss and also played for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. So, I have been around football my entire life. I was kind of born into football.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moment from my football life would have to be when I learned that I was a 3-star going into my senior year in high school. It was very relieving for me. I remember talking to my father the week before I found out, telling him that I always thought I would have some offers and have some type of rating when I got to that point in my career. The spring game going into my senior year is when everything changed for me. I had the best game of my life in front of multiple scouts.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My family members who inspire me the most are my mom and dad. They worked extremely hard for me and my sisters. My mom is a full-time nurse at UAB has graduated from college twice in the process and is working towards another degree right now. My dad also works a full-time job for the city of Birmingham water works he has been working for years to support our family. Even though all of the stuff they have going on. They have been completely bought into the process starting in pee-wee football. My parents have never missed a game, no matter what it takes. I believe they raised me in a manner that everyone can be proud of. I pray when I have kids, they feel the same about me as I feel about my parents. Ultimate love and respect.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I like to say the cliche reasons which is the fellowship of the game. It brings people from all over the globe with different backgrounds together to achieve one goal. Lately, the reason I love football so much is it teaches you about life and perspective. It teaches you how to lose and learn from your loss. In life, you will face adversity or even lose sometimes but it’s all about LEARNING.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I could hang with any player, it would probably be Roquan Smith. I watched a podcast he was on with Ray Lewis, and they were talking football, I would love a chance to pick his brain and see the way he dissects things on the field. We have about the same body type he is 6’1 230, I’m 6’0 225. So just being able to hear some tips that worked for him can elevate my game as well.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Austin Peay?

My favorite thing about playing football for Austin Peay is my teammates. We all came from many different places FBS, FCS, and some Division 2, but we went to war almost immediately. While in this process we built a brotherhood with one another. Another one of my favorite things about Austin Peay would have to be how serious we are about our relationship with God. Often, we have a Pastor (Pastor Smalley) who comes in and gives us a quick Bible study or even just a quick prayer. I feel like that’s the difference maker in our team and a huge part of why we were able to build our brotherhood so fast.

What should we know about Bo Spearman the person?

I think what people should know about me is that I am a born football player. Playing football is something I have always wanted to do and something that I want to do as long as God allows me to. Also, I want people to know about me that I am an excellent learner. I take coaching well and I don’t respond like your typical athlete when faced with a pressure situation. I like to think I am a very fast learner.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I would say my favorite defensive scheme is between the 4-2-5 and the 3-3 stack. I like the 4-2-5 because that is what I have played in most in my career at both Chattanooga and Austin Peay. In this 4–2-5 there are multiple different blitzes and coverages you can get with an extra DB on the field. In the 4-2-5 I’m most productive as a 10-linebacker playing in the box I think I do a great job of reading my keys and playing fast. This is my first year running the 3-3 stack. I like the 3-3 stack because I get to play the strong side linebacker as an overhang backer. This position allows me to be more effective in the past getting my hands on slot receivers and rerouting them making it an easier read for the safeties.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I like to handle challenges both on and off the field head up. I have a simple quote that I’ve heard before that pretty much sums it up, “learn to dance in the rain instead of running from the storm” I try to live by that.

What would a team get in a player like you?

In a player like me, a team would get a player who loves football. A very versatile player who can run with any receivers or TEs, and I can tackle your scat back in space. I am a player who is more than willing to play all 4 special teams. Any team that picks me up will get my heart and soul every single snap.

What stands out about your film the most?

I think two things stand out most about my film. The first thing is my pursuit of the ball. I am always trying to be first to the ball, effort is one of those non-negotiable things in football that just has to happen, or it won’t work. The second thing you will notice about my film is I watch a lot of films, often on my tape you will see me beating a pull to his gap and making a play because I have seen that play 1000 times before.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

12. The most underrated player I have ever played with is Ty Boeck. I played with him during my sophomore and freshman years at Chattanooga. He was an extremely smart linebacker that had tons of experience. He was an All-American when I got to Chattanooga and remained one until he left. He taught me a lot of block-defeating techniques that you could only learn from a player like him because I respected him enough to listen. Although he had a lot of accolades and some great game film against some of these FBS teams, he ended up not getting signed anywhere at all, but he did get invited to the Colts minicamp.